Food Poisoning Strikes South African School: 43 Students Hospitalized

43 Students Hospitalized in SA Food Poisoning Incident

“The students were rushed to a local clinic and were released upon medical...”

Food Poisoning Outbreak at Ngaqa Primary School: 43 Students Hospitalized, Released After Treatment | KwaZulu-Natal

A total of 43 students from Ngaqa Primary School in Mtubatuba, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, were hospitalized due to suspected food poisoning on Monday, October 21. The students reportedly fell ill after consuming snacks purchased from street vendors near the school.

According to the provincial education department, swift action was taken to address the situation. Muzi Mhlambi, a representative for the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Education, provided an update on the students' condition, stating: “The students were rushed to a local clinic and were released upon medical treatment. Some tests were taken to the laboratory.”

Additional Details:

• Affected School: Ngaqa Primary School, Mtubatuba, KwaZulu-Natal
• Date of Incident: Monday, October 21
• Cause of Illness: Suspected food poisoning from snacks bought from street vendors
• Number of Hospitalized Students: 43
• Current Status: Students received medical treatment and were released from the clinic

The recent incident at Ngaqa Primary School in Mtubatuba, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, where 43 students were hospitalized due to suspected food poisoning, has sparked concern across the nation. This unfortunate event is part of a larger trend of increasing food poisoning cases among children in South Africa.

Recent Food Poisoning Incidents:

Six Fatalities in Johannesburg: Six children tragically lost their lives to suspected food poisoning on October 6.

Mass Hospitalization: Over 130 students from Gauteng, Limpopo, and KwaZulu-Natal were hospitalized earlier this month for similar issues.

Previous Cases: In the Northern Cape, pupils at Jan Kempdorp Primary School suffered illnesses after eating chips bought from vendors outside the school.

To address these alarming incidents, Muzi Mhlambi announced that the department is working closely with the police and the Department of Health to determine the cause of the incident. South Africa's National Department of Health (NDH) has also dispatched an 80-member investigation team to look into the circumstances and inspect food sold in local tuck shops. The investigation began on October 21, but the precise cause of the suspected food poisoning remains unknown.

Investigation and Prevention Measures:

Inspections and Testing: Environmental and health inspectors are examining food sold in local tuck shops to identify potential sources of contamination.

Public Awareness: Authorities urge parents to purchase snacks from reputable sources and check for visible expiry dates, undamaged packaging, and accurate labeling.

Vendor Regulation: Calls for better regulation of informal grocery stores, known as spaza shops or tuck shops, to ensure food safety.

These measures aim to prevent further incidents and protect the health and well-being of South African children.