The recent spike in food poisoning cases in Gauteng, particularly those involving children, has raised serious concerns for the Gauteng Department of Health (GDOH).
The department is alarmed by the number of incidents and is taking immediate action to address the situation.
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On Monday, 41 children between the ages of three and five were rushed to Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital in Soweto for medical treatment. It was reported that these children had allegedly consumed rat poison, mistaking it for candy.
In another incident, 10 individuals, including two adults and eight children, were referred to Thelle Mogoerane Regional Hospital in Ekurhuleni from Ramokonopi Community Health Centre on the same night.
The GDOH has provided an update on the status of these patients. Out of the 41 children admitted to Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital, 17 were kept for overnight observation while the remaining 24 were discharged and sent home.
The incident at the preschool is currently under investigation to gather more information. At Thelle Mogoerane Regional Hospital, the two adults were discharged on Monday night after receiving medical care.
Two children were discharged on Tuesday morning, while the six remaining children are still admitted to the hospital but in stable condition.
According to the GDOH, Monday’s incidents bring the total number of foodborne incidents recorded to 863 since October 2023.
Tragically, 11 lives have been lost as a result of these incidents. The department is urging all members of society, especially parents and caregivers, to take responsibility in protecting children from the risks of food poisoning and to actively safeguard their health.
In response to these incidents, the GDOH has dispatched a team comprising an epidemiologist, health promotion officers, and environmental health officers to assess the affected facilities. This team will evaluate the environment, identify any gaps, and provide necessary advice and support.
The GDOH emphasizes its commitment to addressing food safety concerns and ensuring the well-being of the community. It urges individuals who experience symptoms such as fever, chills, cramping, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea (which may be bloody in some cases), stomach aches, sudden swelling of the face, body aches, or weakness to seek immediate medical attention at their nearest health facilities.
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