Source of fatal Eastern Cape food poisoning under investigation after two children die
Seven children fell ill in a suspected food poisoning incident in the Eastern Cape.
Image: Independent Newspapers
The Eastern Cape health department says seven young boys ate a variety of food items including instant porridge, rice, chips and sweets prior to falling ill, which resulted in the death of two of the children.
The department confirmed that two children died, four have been discharged from Cecilia Makiwane Hospital while another child remains in Frere Hospital.
The department said the children, all boys aged between 2 and 6 years, from Msintsi near the WSU Fort Jackson area, presented at the hospital at approximately 1pm on Saturday with symptoms including weakness, vomiting, diarrhoea and dizziness.
“The department immediately activated its emergency clinical and outbreak response protocols. The Buffalo City Metro Health District outbreak response and Environmental Health teams were promptly deployed and worked alongside clinical staff and hospital management at Cecilia Makiwane Hospital.
“Clinical specimens have been collected as part of investigations to determine the cause of the illness. Post- mortem examinations will be conducted on the deceased to assist in establishing the exact cause of death.”
The department added that response teams further conducted site visits in Msintsi, where they met with affected families, the ward councillor and the ward committee.
“A detailed history was obtained, indicating that the children had consumed various food items, including instant porridge, rice, chips and sweets. Food samples have been collected for laboratory testing. As a precautionary public health measure, a local spaza shop has been instructed by Environmental Health Practitioners to temporarily close pending formal inspection.”
The incident is being investigated by the department, along with the police and the Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality as part of a coordinated multi-sectoral investigation.
“The Eastern Cape Department of Health extends its sincere condolences to the bereaved families and assures the public that every effort is being made to determine the source of the incident and safeguard the health of the community.”
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