The Eastern Cape Department of Health has confirmed that 274 learners from KwaBhaca High School were treated for diarrhoea and vomiting on Thursday. By the end of Friday, the number of pupils treated for the symptoms had risen to 324.
The provincial health department said 274 learners were treated at Tshungwana Clinic in KwaBhaca on Thursday, while a further 50 learners were treated on Friday.
Departmental spokesperson Sizwe Kupelo said all the pupils are in a stable condition.
“Of the 324 learners, 313 were successfully managed at Tshungwana Clinic while 59 were taken to Madzikane KaZulu Memorial Hospital for further treatment.”
“Of the 59 admitted at Madzikane kaZulu Memorial Hospital, 55 were treated and discharged while four remain in hospital for further treatment and observation,” Kupelo said.
Kupelo added that the source of the illness is still being investigated. “The Alfred Nzo District Municipality took samples for testing,” he said.
Health MEC Nomakhosazana Meth wished the learners a speedy recovery. “We are confident that they will soon be back at school because they are in good hands.
“We are grateful that our dedicated and hardworking healthcare workers continue to do their best to ensure that lives are saved,” she said.
This is the latest incident in a series of suspected food poisoning cases in schools across the country, including in the Eastern Cape, late last year.
Pictured Above: The inside of a classroom.
Image source: X
