PHOTO: GroundUp / FILE
Hundreds of school children in the Eastern Cape have had to receive medical attention in the past couple of weeks due to foodborne diseases.
In the most recent incident, which took place on Wednesday at Ndamase Senior Secondary School in the OR Tambo District, 261 learners who reside in the school's hostel were rushed to Buntingville Clinic after complaining of stomach cramps and a loss of energy.
Provincial health department spokesperson Mkhululi Ndamase said the learners were treated and stool samples were taken from the school hostel for lab testing.
"We urge those who handle food to work with extra caution to ensure that such accidents are prevented," he said.
In a separate incident earlier this month, 324 learners from KwaBhaca High School were rushed to healthcare facilities after they started vomiting and complained of persistent diarrhea.
Those learners presenting with diarrhea and vomiting were treated at Tshungwana Clinic while three were admitted to the hospital.
"The source of the illness is still being investigated and the Alfred Nzo District Municipality took samples for testing," Ndamase said.
He said more than 300 learners were treated at the clinic while some 59 were taken to hospital for further treatment.
Fifty-five of them were treated and discharged while four remained in hospital for further treatment and observation.
Eastern Cape MEC for Health Nomakhosazana Meth praised the dedicated and hardworking healthcare workers who continue to do their best in ensuring that lives are saved.
