19 Learners Hospitalised After Consuming Spaza Shop Snacks
According to SABC news, 19 learners from Siseko High School in Debe Nek just outside Qonce in the Eastern Cape have been admitted to the S.S. Gida Hospital in Keiskammahoek after suffering from what appears to be food poisoning. The learners ate snacks they bought from a spaza shop and were rushed to hospital after presenting symptoms including severe headaches, vomiting and diarrhea.
To date, 36 cases of food poisoning have been reported from schools in the district. The community has joined forces with the police to inspect spaza shops in the area.
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There has been a spike in the number of reported cases of school children getting hospitalised in large numbers as a result of food poisoning over the past weeks.
Approximately 47 learners from Lebohang Primary and Dr. Nhlapo Primary schools in Sebokeng were hospitalized after consuming snacks that were allegedly stolen. The students exhibited symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal cramps, and shortness of breath.
A week before then, a student from Onkgopotse Tiro Primary School in Tshepisong, Roodepoort, passed away in a local clinic due to suspected food poisoning from biscuits that were also purchased at a spaza shop. Additionally, two grade 3 boys complained of stomach cramps after consuming similar snacks and were taken to Tshepisong Clinic.
The Department of Education is urging schools and communities to be vigilant about food safety.
Disturbingly, six more children lost their lives in separate incidents in the span of a month, seemingly due to consuming food purchased at spaza shops. Four of these tragic incidents occurred in Gauteng, while two happened in the Free State under similar circumstances.