The Eastern Cape Department of Health has confirmed that two children have died and five others have been admitted to hospital following suspected food poisoning.
The six children from Msintsi Location near Berlin and one child from NU3 Mdantsane, were admitted to Cecilia Makiwane Hospital on Saturday with suspected food poisoning.
The children, aged between four and seven years, presented with symptoms including vomiting, diarrhoea, and dizziness.
“Sadly, two children were declared deceased on arrival despite resuscitation efforts by clinical teams,” the department said.
Five others remain under medical care.
“One child has been intubated and transferred to Frere Hospital for advanced critical care, while the remaining four are reported to be stable and continue to receive treatment and observation,” it said.
The department said preliminary information from families indicates that six of the children from Msintsi had been playing together and consumed snacks prior to becoming ill.
“The circumstances relating to one child from NU3 are still being established,” it said.
The exact cause of the suspected food poisoning has not yet been confirmed.
“The Department immediately activated its emergency and outbreak response protocols. The District Environmental Health Unit has been deployed to investigate the source of the illness. The Department extends its deepest condolences to the affected families and continues to provide clinical and psychosocial support,” it said.
The department said further updates will be communicated as more information becomes available.
simon.majadibodu@iol.co.za
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