Source of fatal Eastern Cape food poisoning under investigation after two children die

A detailed history indicated that the children who were admitted to hospital on Saturday following a suspected food poisoning incident had consumed various food items, including instant porridge, rice, chips and sweets. 

Health officials said as a precautionary public health measure, a local spaza shop has been instructed by Environmental Health Practitioners to temporarily close pending formal inspection following the deaths of two children.

The Eastern Cape Department of Health confirmed four of the seven children who were admitted to hospital on Saturday have been treated and discharged, while one child remains hospitalised. 

The children were admitted to Cecilia Makiwane Hospital after falling ill in Msintsi, near the WS Fort Jackson area. 

The child who remains in hospital is receiving specialised critical care at Frere Hospital in KuGompo.

The department said all of the children, boys aged between two and six years, presented at the hospital around 1pm with symptoms including weakness, vomiting, diarrhoea and dizziness.

“The Department immediately activated its emergency clinical and outbreak response protocols,” it said.

Buffalo City Metro Health District outbreak response and Environmental Health teams were promptly deployed and worked alongside hospital management and clinical staff at Cecilia Makiwane Hospital. 

The department said acting Chief Executive Officer and deputy director general for Clinical Services Dr Xamlashe was on site to oversee and coordinate the response.

“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,” the department said.

Response teams also conducted site visits in Msintsi, meeting with affected families, the ward councillor and ward committee. 

The department said a detailed history indicated that the children had consumed various food items, including instant porridge, rice, chips and sweets. 

It confirmed that food samples have been collected for laboratory testing.

The department said it is working closely with the police and the Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality in a coordinated, multi-sectoral investigation. 

“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.”

The department extended its condolences to the bereaved families and assured the public that every effort is being made to determine the source of the incident and safeguard community health.

Cape Times