DStv Channel 403 Friday, 15 November 2024

EC pupils hospitalised after alleged poisoning

BHISHO - Pupils in the Eastern Cape have been hospitalised.

It's believed they fell ill after eating poisoned food.

While tests are yet to be concluded, the health department says most suffered from abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting, while others presented with shortness of breath.

READ: Education Dept calls parents to be more cautious after increased schools poisonings

The department's spokesperson, Sizwe Kupela, said of the 120 pupils who fell ill, only 51 were hospitalised.

He said they were from two different schools.

"One patient who arrived after 6pm [on Thursday] remains in stable condition in the ICU," Kupela said.

READ: Deaths from suspected poisoning climbs to 5

He said the pupils bought muffins, scones and frozen drinks from a hawker.

He said investigations are continuing.

''The advice from the department to the public is always take extra precautions around food handling and ensure that they look at expiry dates to ensure that they consume safe food," he said.

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