Since May 13, at least six cases of botulinum poisoning have been reported in Thủ Đức City. But the three remaining patients are still under care as Việt Nam has no BAT left. According to the Drug Administration of Vietnam under the Ministry of Health, botulinum poisoning stems from infection with the bacteria Clostridium botulinum. Botulinum poisoning rarely occurs in Việt Nam and around the world, which leads to a scarcity of the required medication (botulism antitoxin heptavalent - BAT) worldwide. In Viet Nam, BAT is not listed among medicines covered by the health insurance fund.

Source: Viet Nam News May 23, 2023 13:58 UTC