JOHANNESBURG, Oct. 17 (Xinhua) -- A total of 25 students from a primary school in Gauteng Province, South Africa, were hospitalized on Thursday after falling ill from suspected food poisoning, according to provincial education authorities.
The students from Mshuluzane Mayisela Primary School in Bronkhorstspruit, Gauteng, became sick after eating snacks purchased from street vendors outside the school on Thursday, said the Gauteng provincial department of education.
Matome Chiloane, Gauteng provincial member of the executive council for education, sport, arts, culture, and recreation, said in a statement released Thursday afternoon that the learners started experiencing body itching and stomach pains about 30 minutes after eating the snacks.
"A total of 25 learners were transported to medical facilities for treatment. Out of the 25 learners who were affected by the food poisoning incident, 22 have since been discharged after receiving treatment," said Chiloane.
"Two learners were taken to private medical facilities by their parents, and one learner remains at Zithobeni Clinic, where they are still under medical observation. The condition of the remaining learner is being closely monitored," said Chiloane.
The Gauteng provincial department of education said law enforcement and health authorities are currently investigating the safety of the snacks sold by street vendors.
"We urge parents, guardians, and schools to be vigilant. Our priority is the health and safety of our children, and we wish the affected learners a full and speedy recovery," Chiloane said.
This case is part of a concerning trend, with over 80 students from Gauteng and Limpopo provinces treated for suspected food poisoning in the past week. ■
