Two children die after eating pap and soup

Two young brothers, aged 4 and 6, have died from food poisoning in Pretoria after eating pap and soup at home. The Gauteng Department of Health (GDoH) reported that the incident occurred on Thursday evening, as confirmed by spokesperson Motalatale Modiba.

“Two boys who are siblings aged 4 and 6 years old died after they suffered from a suspected foodborne illness. They had shared a common meal (pap and soup) at home.

“The four-year-old was pronounced dead on arrival at Dr. George Mukhari Academic Hospital (DGMAH) in Tshwane while his brother, the six-year-old, was unresponsive, foaming through the mouth and nostrils and eventually succumbed to the illness.”

He added that a three-year-old cousin of the two boys, who was also brought to the hospital despite not having eaten the same food, was discharged after observation as he remained asymptomatic.

“The Gauteng Department of Health (GDoH) calls on parents and caregivers to exercise extreme caution to ensure the safety of their children.

“This comes after the surge in the number of food poisoning cases affecting children, particularly in townships, informal settlements, and hostels (TISH) communities.”

Modiba noted that on the same night, three children aged 3, 5, and 6 from Vosloorus were admitted to Jabulani Dumane CHC, showing symptoms of vomiting and weakness.

“Two children (aged 3 and 5 years who are neighbours) died on arrival, while the 6-year-old was resuscitated and taken to Thelle Mogoerane Regional Hospital for further medical care. He remains very critical.

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