Four children between the ages of three and five have died in two separate incidents in Gauteng, following food poisoning.
According to the Gauteng Health Department, the incidents were reported at Dr. George Mukhari Academic Hospital (DGMAH) in Tshwane and Jabulani Dumane Community Health Centre in Ekurhuleni respectively last week Thursday night.
The incidents come as the department has expressed a surge in the number of food poisoning cases affecting children particularly in townships, informal settlements, and hostels communities.
“Two boys who are siblings aged four and six years old died after they suffered from a suspected foodborne illness.
They had earlier shared a pap and soup at home.
The four-year-old was pronounced dead on arrival at DGA while his brother, the six-year-old, was unresponsive, foaming through the mouth and nostrils and eventually succumbed to the illness,” said the department spokesperson, Motalatale Modiba.
Modiba adds that another three-year-old boy who is a cousin to the two and was brought to the hospital with them, even though he did not consume the same food, was discharged after observation as he remained asymptomatic.
In addition, three children aged three, five and six years old from Vosloorus were brought to Jabulani Dumane CHC presenting with symptoms of vomiting and body weakness.
“Two children aged three and five years-old who are neighbours) died on arrival, while the six-year-old was resuscitated and taken to Thelle Mogoerane Regional Hospital for further medical care. He remains very critical.
Upon further investigation it was discovered that a 28-years-old male who happens to be an uncle to two of the children, three and six years-old had shared potato chips with the three children.
He was later admitted at Thelle Mogoerane following symptoms of food poisoning but was discharged on Friday morning after observation,” explained Modiba.
According to the department, 207 food poisoning cases affecting children have been reported across the province since the beginning of February 2024 which have unfortunately resulted in ten deaths.
The department urged parents and guardians to exercise caution and educate the children to be careful about what they consume, especially at dumping sites.
“We are working closely with multiple stakeholders and the Gauteng Department of Education to heighten awareness in these communities and conduct health education sessions in schools targeting learners, school vendors.
These sessions focus on the importance of hand hygiene, proper food handling and preparation, water hygiene, clean environments, sanitation, food expiry dates amongst other topics,” explained Gauteng MEC for Health and Wellness Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko.
The department has also called on municipalities to intensify their efforts in enforcing the bylaws to ensure that local shops comply with hygiene standards to avoid the potential contamination of food items.
