An outbreak of tapeworm infections among children in northern Vietnam has sparked fears that school lunches have been contaminated, state media reported on Monday.
“Doctors have diagnosed the infections in 209 children from Thanh Khuong community in Bac Ninh Province, which borders Hanoi,’’ the Vnexpress news site reported.
Over 800 pupils from 19 preschools have been tested since March 7 at the National Hospital of Tropical Diseases and the National Institute of Malariology, Parasitology and Entomology in Hanoi, with medical authorities fearing more cases will come.
The Tuoi Tre newspaper reported that infection was first suggested in February after cooks at the Thanh Khuong Kindergarten spotted larvae in the school lunch pork supply.
When news of the suspected infections began to spread, parents began taking their children to Hanoi for testing in March, leading to positive test results that have spurred concern in the community.
The source of the outbreak, however, has not been definitively confirmed, and is currently under investigation.
The species of tapeworm, Taenia solium, is spread through contaminated food. While easily treated, it can cause brain damage and blindness if left unchecked.
(dpa/NAN)
You may be interested
Arsenal Equal Chelsea’s London Derby Feat After 5-1 Win Vs Palace
Webby - December 21, 2024Arsenal equaled Chelsea’s London derby achievement following their 5-1 win against Crystal Palace in Saturday’s Premier League game at Selhurst…
Haaland Backs Guardiola To Turn Man City’s Poor Form Around
Webby - December 21, 2024Erling Haaland had said he and his Manchester City teammates are still backing manager Pep Guardiola to turn the team’s…
PSG To Reignite Interest In Osimhen
Webby - December 21, 2024Paris Saint-Germain have contacted Napoli to discuss signing Victor Osimhen in January, according to reports in France.It is reported that…