The government is on high alert for any new cases of food poisoning in the Soweto region following the incident in Naledi, Soweto on Sunday, October 1, that resulted in the death of two school children and three other hospitalised.
The Gauteng Department of Health (GDoH)’s Outbreak Response team has intensified awareness in the community.
Members of the Naledi community gathered outside the shop that allegedly sold the biscuits to the children following the unfortunate incident.
“We pass our sincere condolences to the families that have lost their little ones and wish a speedy recovery to those who are still receiving medical
care. The tragic incident is another painful reminder that we must do more to ensure greater public awareness and increase the level of alertness when it comes to the foodstuffs communities are exposed to,” remarked Gauteng MEC for Health and Wellness Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko.
The MEC called on all spheres of government to work together to enforce compliance with
the relevant laws. The outbreak response team on Tuesday and Wednesday visited the affected families to provide support, counselling and to conduct further investigations in the households.
The status of poisoned victims
Meanwhile, out of the five affected children, a 3-year-old boy is recovering well from home, two are currently admitted at Chris Hani Baragwanath
Academic Hospital – a 4-year-old male who is recovering well and is due for discharge and a 6-year-old girl who remains critical but stable in ICU.
The department is urging the public to visit their nearest health facilities when they present with symptoms such as: vomiting, sudden chest pains, body ache/weakness, fever or foam in the mouth.
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