The Eastern Cape Emergency Services responded to alleged food poisoning at Gobizizwe Agricultural School in Mthatha. The emergency call was received at about 13:00 yesterday, 13 August.
According to the Eastern Cape Department of Health spokesperson, Siyanda Manana, it is alleged that the scholars ate rice and Lucky Star fish at the school.
“Seven EMS ambulances, three PTVs, three EMS rescue vehicles and one helicopter attended to the scholars.” He added, “The EMS brigade was supported by the SAPS, OR Tambo Disaster, OR Tambo Environmental Health Practitioners, and Department of Education officials.”
Manana cited that the scholars exhibited the following symptoms: vomiting, abdominal cramps, diarrhoea, nausea, dizziness, and some experienced seizures.
“The scholars were transported to Nelson Mandela Academic Hospital, Mthatha Regional Hospital and Ngangelizwe Community Health Centre. In total, there were 131 scholars who were seen at the three health facilities.”
Whilst others were ferried by ambulances and patient transport vehicles, one student was airlifted to NMAH.
“Currently, there is one student who is admitted to NMAH whilst the other two are being monitored at Mthatha Regional Hospital and are being rehydrated,” he concluded.
