KUGOMPO CITY, EASTERN CAPE – Although two children passed away owing to a suspected food poisoning incident, the Eastern Cape Department of Health confirmed that four of the seven children who were admitted to Cecilia Makiwane Hospital on Saturday, 7 February 2026 in Msintsi near the WSU Fort Jackson area have been treated and discharged in good condition, while one child remains hospitalised at Frere Hospital, KuGompo City (formally East London) where he is receiving specialised critical care.
According to the Eastern Cape Department of Health spokesperson Camagwini Mavovana, the children, all boys aged between two and six years, presented at the hospital at approximately 13:00 with symptoms including weakness, vomiting, diarrhoea and dizziness.
“The Department immediately activated its emergency clinical and outbreak response protocols. 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 DDG for Clinical Services, Doctor Xamlashe, were on site to oversee and coordinate the response.
Mavovana added that clinical specimens have been collected as part of investigations to determine the cause of the illness. “Post-mortem examinations will be conducted on the deceased to assist in establishing the exact cause of death.
“Response teams further conducted site visits in Msintsi, where they met with affected families, the ward councillor and the ward committee. A detailed history was obtained, indicating that the children had consumed various food items, including instant porridge, rice, chips and sweets. Food samples have been collected for laboratory testing.”
She futher said as a precautionary public health measure, a local spaza shop has been instructed by Environmental Health Practitioners to temporarily close pending formal inspection.
“The Department is working closely with the South African Police Service (SAPS) and the Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality as part of a coordinated multi-sectoral investigation,” she said. “The Department continues to provide clinical, environmental health and psychosocial support to the affected families and will maintain ongoing monitoring and follow-up visits within the community while investigations continue.”
Mavovana concluded that further updates will be communicated as more information becomes available.
