Binh Chanh District Hospital in Ho Chi Minh City on Friday admitted five patients who were suspected of being poisoned with PAC (polyaluminium chloride), which is often used in water treatment, a representative of the hospital said on Saturday.

The hospital has reported the cases to the municipal Department of Health and the medical center in Binh Chanh District.

The five patients previously transported PAC powder for water treatment at Truong Nguyet Technical Services and Trading Co. Ltd. in Binh Chanh.

At the time of hospitalization, the five were in a state of acute respiratory failure. They received endotracheal intubation and were put on ventilators before being transferred to higher-level hospitals for further treatment.

The most critical case is 31-year-old N.V.L.E., who is being treated at 115 People's Hospital in District 10. Another 19-year-old patient was also transferred to this hospital.

Two others, aged 50 and 24, were moved to Trung Vuong Hospital, also in District 10.

A 26-year-old patient is in treatment at Nguyen Tri Phuong Hospital in District 5.

A representative of 115 People's Hospital in District 10 told Tuoi Tre (Youth) newspaper that the two patients treated at the hospital had low blood oxygen levels, worsening their respiratory failure.

They are on mechanical ventilation, the hospital’s representative added.

E. has also undergone dialysis and intensive treatment.

Meanwhile, Trung Vuong Hospital had suggested the Ho Chi Minh City Children's Hospital 1 share rare medicines to treat the two patients it is taking care of and already received eight vials, the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Health said on Saturday.

The two patients’ health has improved and they are now conscious.

PAC is a chemical used widely in treating water, especially that in swimming pools.

Its use causes no danger at correct dosage.

However, if people inhale PAC powder, they may suffer shortness of breath, a sore throat, swollen eyes, an itch, vomiting, stomachache, and diarrhea.

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