A group of 25 learners from Mshuluzane Mayisela Primary School in Gauteng fell ill after consuming snacks purchased from street vendors outside the school on Thursday.
Gauteng MEC for Education, Sport, Arts, Culture and Recreation, Matome Chiloane expressed serious concern over the food-borne illnesses that broke out at the school in Zithobeni, Bronkhorstspruit.
“The incident was reported in the morning when learners began showing symptoms of body itching and stomach pains approximately 30 minutes after consuming the said snacks.
“Emergency services responded swiftly to the call. A total of 25 learners were transported to medical facilities for treatment. Of these, eight learners were taken to Kungwini Clinic and 17 to Zithobeni Clinic, all by Gauteng Provincial Government (GPG) ambulances,” Chiloane said.
Of the 25 learners affected by the food poisoning incident, 22 learners have since been discharged from the medical facility after receiving treatment. Two learners were taken to private medical facilities by their parents and one learner remains at the Zithobeni Clinic where they are still under medical observation.
The condition of the remaining learner is being closely monitored.
Chiloane emphasised the importance of ensuring that learners only consume safe food.
“Law enforcement and health authorities are conducting an investigation into the incident to determine the safety of the products being sold by the street vendors and to prevent future occurrences.
“We urge parents, guardians, and schools to be vigilant. Our priority is the health and safety of our children, and we wish the affected learners a full and speedy recovery,” Chiloane said.
On Sunday, October 13, the Grade 1 learner who had been in ICU following a suspected food poisoning incident in Naledi, Soweto, died.
The Karabo Primary School learner got ill on Sunday, October 6, in a poisoning incident that claimed the lives of five other learners from three different schools.
robin.francke@iol.co.za
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