Inspectors take samples of dog meat at a restaurant in Hanoi (Photo: SGGP)

A 50-year-old man from the northern province of Ninh Binh died from cholera on May 12, as the disease continues to spread in the North, said the Ministry of Health.
 
In a report to the Government, as of May 18, 11 provinces have reported 534 cases of acute diarrhea, including 53 testing positive for the virulent vibrio cholera virus and one fatality.

The northern province of Hoa Binh has one patient with cholera and one suspected case, both are receiving treatment at the province’s general hospital, said the deputy director of Department of Health, Le Van Hoang on May 19.

The provincial government has officially announced cases of the disease in order to warn residents.

In related news, inspectors from Ho Chi Minh City Department of Health on May 19 inspected dog meat eateries in District 1 and Tan Binh District.

Two dog meat restaurants in Nguyen Thi Minh Khai Street failed to present certificates of hygiene and origin. They were also found to have substandard hygiene and forced to temporarily close.