Ntabozuko – Two children have died in a suspected food poisoning incident at Msintsi Location near Ntabozuko, outside KuGompo (formerly East London) in the Eastern Cape.
The children were declared deceased upon arrival at Cecilia Makhiwane Hospital in Mdantsane. Seven other children, aged between four and seven, are under medical care after presenting symptoms including vomiting, diarrhoea, and dizziness. One of the seven has been transferred to Frere Hospital for advanced medical care.
Provincial Health Spokesperson, Camagwini Mavovana, says, “Preliminary information from families indicates that six of the children from Msintsi had been playing together and consumed snacks prior to becoming ill. The circumstances relating to one child from NU3 are still being established.”
Mavovana says the exact cause of the suspected food poisoning is still being investigated.
“The exact cause of the suspected food poisoning has not yet been confirmed. The department immediately activated its emergency and outbreak response protocols. The District Environmental Health Unit has been deployed to investigate the source of the illness. The department extends its deepest condolences to the affected families and continues to provide clinical and psychosocial support. Further updates will be communicated as more information becomes available.”
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