Zuko Komisa
22 learners hospitalised in Ga-Rankuwa after eating snacks from street hawkers.
About 22 students from Tlotlompho Primary School in Garankuwa were taken to a nearby hospital after becoming ill at school in the morning, according to department representative Steve Mabona.
“Only four pupils were transferred to a hospital. According to information, the affected pupils started [getting] complications after eating snacks allegedly bought from a street vendor,” he said.
“The pupils experienced vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal cramps, and shortness of breath. Some were released into parental care after medical attention while those referred to the hospital were also discharged. Medical tests were conducted for investigations.” said Mabona.
TlotloMpho primary school in Garankuwa. Kids ate biscuit bought from our "investors". About ten kids have fallen ill and medical services are onsite. pic.twitter.com/zn1mLMIisz
— Blixim,🇿🇦 🟢 (@deoman) October 19, 2023
40 pupils from Reimolotswe Primary School in Winterveldt were rushed to hospital
According to reports in another incident, forty students from Reimolotswe Primary School in Winterveldt were also sent to a nearby hospital after indulging in a delicacy known as “dibombolina,” which they purportedly purchased from many vendors near the school.
Three learners received care at a nearby facility and were afterward released, while approximately thirty-seven were admitted to the hospital and treated for symptoms including nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea before being allowed to return home.
“[This is] after experiencing symptoms associated with diarrhoea, vomiting, and headache. [All but one] were later discharged. We wish all pupils a speedy recovery.The department urged school governing bodies, parents and “the community at large to be vigilant at all times and check all foods/snacks sold in and around schools”.
“Where it is suspected that the snacks might have expired, this should be reported to the local authorities for action,” said Mabona.
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