The Department of Health of Dong Nai Province in southern Vietnam confirmed on Wednesday afternoon that eight bank employees in the provincial capital city of Bien Hoa were hospitalized on the same day for carbon monoxide poisoning.
They showed symptoms of dizziness, headache, and shortness of breath before being rushed to Hoan My Dong Nai Hospital.
Among them was a woman who is 29 weeks pregnant.
The carbon monoxide poisoning allegedly resulted from generators which were used after a power outage.
These patients tried to work indoors, leading to the poisoning, while some others went out after suffering headache and shortness of breath.
After receiving intensive care, seven of the eight were released from the hospital on Thursday.
The pregnant woman, identified as B.T.A.N., remains in hospital for further monitoring.
She is now in stable health, said a doctor.
Dr. Vo Van Ut at the emergency department of the hospital said that carbon monoxide is a gas that has no odor, color, or taste and is very dangerous.
The gas is produced by burning wood and charcoal and the operation of generators, furnaces, and engines powered by gasoline, said the doctor.
When breathing carbon monoxide, people become sleepy and glassy-eyed.
Carbon monoxide poisoning can affect the brain and organs, and can even cause death.
To prevent carbon monoxide poisoning, Dr. Ut advises residents not to use gas stoves, furnaces, and wood-burning stoves in poorly ventilated spaces.
When detecting someone developing symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning, rescuers should open windows, wear anti-poison face masks, and quickly take the victim to a safe place.
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