HANOI, Nov. 9 (Xinhua) -- A total of 162 people in Vietnam's southern hub Ho Chi Minh City were hospitalized following a case of mass food poisoning linked to two Vietnamese sandwich shops under the same brand, the Vietnam News Agency reported Saturday.
Most victims experienced nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea, fever, and fatigue of varying degrees.
Notably, one patient was in critical condition and receiving intensive care, while a pregnant woman was at risk of premature labor. A blood sample from one patient tested positive for Salmonella.
According to the report, 105 patients have been discharged, while 57 remain under observation and inpatient treatment.
Local authorities have temporarily suspended the two shops and are continuing their investigation into the cause of the outbreak. ■