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By Johnathan Paoli
Emergency Medical Services (EMS) teams in the Eastern Cape rushed to Gobizizwe Agricultural School in Ngqeleni on Wednesday after a suspected mass food poisoning incident left about 70 learners requiring urgent medical attention.
According to Eastern Cape health department spokesperson Siyanda Manana the alarm was raised earlier in the day when learners began showing symptoms consistent with food poisoning, including nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain and dizziness.
“About 70 school children were taken to Nelson Mandela Academic Hospital, Mthatha Regional Hospital and Ngangelizwe Community Health Centre. Those in serious condition were airlifted to hospital,” he said.
Manana confirmed that the learners were stabilised on-site, with several placed on intravenous drips before being transported to hospital.
The cause of the suspected food poisoning has not yet been confirmed.
The department has assured parents and the community that all affected learners were receiving treatment and that no fatalities were reported.
Officials have urged parents to remain calm while investigations continue.
The provincial education department is also involved in the probe, and counselling services are expected to be provided to the affected learners.
Authorities have indicated that an update will be issued once the investigation yields results.
INSIDE EDUCATION