The Eastern Cape Department of Health is looking into possible food poisoning after 120 pupils were rushed to hospital with abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting. File Picture: Paballo Thekiso/Independent Newspapers
The Eastern Cape Department of Health has expressed concern regarding possible food poisoning in schools after 120 pupils were transported by provincial Emergency Medical Services (EMS) to Frontier Hospital in Komani.
Dr Sizwe Kupelo, Department of Health spokesperson, said the students showed various symptoms, including itchiness, shortness of breath, and high temperatures, while others had normal vital signs.
The EMS responded to calls from a local school in Mlungisi, where 34 pupils aged between 8 and 15 were transported to the hospital following complaints of abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting.
More cases were reported from another school around Komani, where the pupils were said to have suffered from an alleged foodborne disease.
Currently, tests are being conducted to determine the exact cause of the illness.
The department has confirmed that there have been no fatalities and that all children are stable at this time.
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