Last week the United States Embassy in Hanoi issues a statement confirming an outbreak of acute diarrhea in Northern Viet Nam. Some of these cases have tested positive for carrying the bacteria that causes cholera, and there have also been some confirmed cases of cholera infection. The Deputy Health Minister noted that the likely culprits for the outbreak are street food, water, shrimp products and salads. If you are in Hanoi or other northern provinces now, or will be traveling soon, please steer clear of the above mentioned foods, and stick strictly to bottled water.

You can read the Embassy’s complete warden message here, but I would like to share some tips to keep yourself safe and healthy.

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  Stay away from all seafood (fish and shellfish alike.) Seafood seems to be one of the larger culprits of the outbreak, and it would be best to avoid it completely. Be aware that many products contain seafood, even if it’s not a dish containing only seafood.
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  Do not eat mam ton (shrimp paste), goi ca (made of raw fish and vegetable) and fermented pork roll. These three items were noted in the warden message as the three main foods to avoid.
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  Stick to highly trafficked, clean, restaurants that are recommended by your adoption agency and other Americans who have been in country. Avoid eating at road side food stations and carts.
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  Practice good hygiene, including being vigilant about hand washing. Carrying a bottle of hand sanitizer with you at all times is a great idea.

If you are in Viet Nam and experience watery diarrhea, the Embassy advices immediate medical attention. They do not recommend treating yourself with any prescription or over the counter products that you may have brought with you or bought in country. You should be evaluated by a physician immediately.