Authorities in Bac Ninh Province are investigating the alleged use of meat from sick pigs at a local nursery school.

44 out of 173 samples were found to have indications of the disease at Central Hospital of Tropical Diseases

On March 12, the Central Hospital of Tropical Diseases received three children from Thanh Khuong Commune who tested positive for cysticercosis. On March 15, the hospital continued to receive 230 children who needed tests for cysticercosis. 44 out of 173 samples were found to have indications of the disease.

The National Institute of Malariology, Parasitology and Entomology announced that 13 out of 135 children sent to the hospital had been found to have tested positive.

The children were brought to the hospital after their parents discovered that the pork used at school had cysts like the meat from sick pigs.

Nguyen Tu Quynh, chairman of Bac Ninh People's Committee held a meeting on the same day with the provincial police department and related agencies in to investigate the unhygienic food case at Thanh Khuong Commune Nursery School.

The Department of Health was asked to review the test results, send the reports and work with other agencies to carry out a health check for the children at Thanh Khuong Nursery School. They must also popularise the effect and treatment of cysticercosis.

Quynh asked the provincial police department to investigate the involved individuals and organisations that supplied unhygienic food to the school and ensure the public order at and around the school. He also asked the Food Safety Management Board to tighten management and inspection over food at schools.

Thuan Thanh District authorities were asked to support the locals and ensure public order in their area.

Lao Dong/Dtinews