The Gauteng Department of Education says it is deeply concerned about the increasing number of foodborne illness cases reported in schools around the province recently.

On Wednesday, the department was alerted to an incident involving an alleged foodborne illness that broke out at Emmangweni Primary School in Tembisa, affecting 16 learners.

According to the department, preliminary reports indicate that after the school break at 11:00, a group of 16 learners (aged between 11 and 15) reported to the office experiencing dizziness and vomiting from a suspected foodborne illness.

‘Upon investigation, it was discovered that they had consumed atchaar, which they bought from other learners. Two Grade 7 learners from the school reportedly admitted to selling the atchaar on behalf of a woman who is a Community Work Programme (CWP) member. Emergency services responded swiftly and transported all 16 affected learners to different medical facilities,’ the GDE said.

The department said parents were promptly informed a
bout the situation and accompanied their children to the respective medical facilities.

Ten learners were stabilised and discharged after a few hours.

Three learners remained at Tembisa Hospital and another three at Esangweni Clinic, where they received the necessary medical attention and were later discharged.

‘Accordingly, investigations into this incident are underway. The safety of all learners remains a top priority, as the department works closely with health authorities to address the situation.

‘We are deeply troubled by the increasing number of foodborne illness cases reported at our schools. The health and safety of our learners is our highest priority. We are working closely with authorities to fully investigate the cause of this incident.

“We wish the affected learners a speedy recovery, and we will provide the necessary psycho-social support to the families and school community at large,’ Gauteng Education MEC Matome Chiloane said.

Source: South African Government News Agency