KUGOMPO CITY, Eastern Cape – Two children have died following a suspected food poisoning incident in Msintsi near the WSU Fort Jackson area, the Eastern Cape Department of Health confirmed on Sunday.
Seven boys aged between two and six were admitted to Cecilia Makiwane Hospital on Saturday, 7 February at approximately 13:00 with symptoms including weakness, vomiting, diarrhoea and dizziness.
Four children have been treated and discharged in good condition. One child remains in hospital at Frere Hospital in KuGompo City (formerly East London) where he is receiving specialised critical care.
Department spokesperson Camagwini Mavovana said the department immediately activated its emergency clinical and outbreak response protocols when the children presented at hospital.
“The Buffalo City Metro Health District outbreak response and Environmental Health teams were promptly deployed and worked alongside clinical staff and hospital management at Cecilia Makiwane Hospital,” she said.
The acting chief executive officer and the deputy director-general for clinical services, Dr Xamlashe, were on site to oversee and coordinate the response.
Clinical specimens have been collected to determine the cause of the illness. Post-mortem examinations will be conducted on the deceased to establish the exact cause of death.
Response teams conducted site visits in Msintsi where they met with affected families, the ward councillor and the ward committee. The children had consumed various food items including instant porridge, rice, chips and sweets. Food samples have been collected for laboratory testing.
As a precautionary public health measure, environmental health practitioners have instructed a local spaza shop to temporarily close pending formal inspection.
The department is working with the South African Police Service and Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality as part of a coordinated multi-sectoral investigation.
Mavovana said the department continues to provide clinical, environmental health and psychosocial support to affected families and will maintain ongoing monitoring and follow-up visits within the community while investigations continue.
Further updates will be communicated as more information becomes available.
