Johannesburg — The Gauteng Health Department has urged parents and guardians to exercise extra caution following a rise in food poisoning cases across the province.
In a statement, the department noted that most of the affected children live in informal settlements and townships.
Last week, the department confirmed two incidents at the Dr George Mukhari Academic Hospital (DGMAH), where a 4-year-old and a 6-year-old passed away due to foodborne illness. A 3-year-old boy, a cousin of the two deceased boys, was also admitted but was later discharged.
At the Jabulani Dumane Community Health Centre (CHC), three children aged 3, 5, and 6 showed symptoms of food poisoning. The two younger children tragically died, while the 6-year-old was resuscitated at Thelle Mogoerane Hospital.
A 28-year-old man, the uncle of the 3-year-old and 6-year-old, was also admitted to the hospital but was discharged on Friday, 30 August.
MEDIA STATEMENT || URGENT CALL FOR VIGILANCE FOLLOWING RISE IN FOOD POISONING CASES AFFECTING CHILDREN pic.twitter.com/yZehGOn4GZ
— Gauteng Health (@GautengHealth) September 1, 2024
The department has confirmed 207 food poisoning cases affecting children since February 2024, resulting in 10 deaths. Most cases were reported in Ekurhuleni (119), with others in Johannesburg and Tshwane.
“The department is deeply concerned with the rising incidents of deaths of children related to foodborne illnesses. We are working closely with multiple stakeholders and the Gauteng Department of Education to heighten awareness in TISH communities and conduct health education sessions in schools targeting learners, and school vendors,” Gauteng MEC for Health and Wellness, Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko, said
These sessions will focus on hygiene, proper food handling and preparation, and maintaining clean working environments, among other topics.
The MEC urged parents and guardians to educate their children on the importance of safe food choices.
The Gauteng Department will also call on municipalities to intensify efforts to ensure local shops comply with hygiene laws to prevent further food poisoning incidents.
Gauteng province is experiencing an increase in food poisoning cases, with over 200 incidents and 10 fatalities since the beginning of 2024. The provincial health department says most of these cases were reported in the Ekurhuleni area, and involved children. Head of the Gauteng… pic.twitter.com/RLtq7VdAcY
— Newzroom Afrika (@Newzroom405) September 1, 2024
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Compiled by Matthew Petersen
