Johannesburg – At least 207 food poisoning cases involving children that resulted in 10 deaths have been reported in Gauteng since February this year.
The Gauteng Department of Health (GDoH) revealed the anomaly on Sunday, (1 September 2024), and called on parents and caregivers to “exercise extreme caution to ensure the safety of their children”.
The GDoH said its call for caution was in response to the surge in the number of food poisoning cases affecting children, particularly in townships, informal settlements, and hostels.
“On Thursday night, (29 August 2024), two incidents were reported at Dr. George Mukhari Academic Hospital (DGMAH) in Tshwane and Jabulani Dumane Community Health Centre in Ekurhuleni,” the GDoH said.
Two brothers aged four and six years old died after they suffered from a suspected foodborne illness.
“They had earlier shared a common meal (pap and soup) at home,” the GDoH said.
“The four-year-old was pronounced dead on arrival at DGMAH while his brother, the six-year-old, was unresponsive, foaming through the mouth and nostrils, and eventually succumbed to the illness.
“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.”
The GDoH said in a separate incident on the same night three other children from Vosloorus aged three, five, and six years were brought to Jabulani Dumane CHC presenting with symptoms of vomiting and body weakness.
“Two children (neighbours three and five years old) died on arrival, while the 6-year-old was resuscitated and taken to Thelle Mogoerane Regional Hospital for further medical care,” the GDoH said.
“He remains very critical.”
The GDoH said investigations revealed that a “28-year-old uncle” had shared potato chips with the three children.
The uncle, who also developed symptoms of food poisoning, was later admitted to Thelle Mogoerane Hospital.
After observation, he was discharged on Friday morning, (30 August 2024).
“A total of 207 food poisoning cases affecting children have been reported across the province since the beginning of February 2024 which have unfortunately resulted in 10 deaths,” the GDoH said.
Ekurhuleni district recorded 119 cases of poisoning with four deaths, followed by Johannesburg with 40 cases, Tshwane had 31 cases resulting in three deaths, West Rand district had 14 cases and Sedibeng district had three cases and three deaths.
“The Department is deeply concerned with the rising incidents of the deaths of children related to foodborne illnesses,” Gauteng Health and Wellness MEC Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko.
“We are working closely with multiple stakeholders and the Gauteng Department of Education to heighten awareness in townships, informal settlements and hostel communities and conduct health education sessions in schools targeting learners, and school vendors.
“These sessions focus on the importance of hand hygiene, proper food handling and preparation, water hygiene, clean environments, sanitation, and food expiry dates amongst other topics.”
MEC Nkomo-Ralehoko urged parents and guardians to take greater responsibility by educating their children to be careful about what they eat or drink.
“The whole of society needs to play an active role in this area including discouraging illegal dumping as this also poses a threat to human health, leading to various diseases and illnesses,” MEC Nkomo-Ralehoko said.
Environmental health teams were working with local municipalities to conduct inspections in communities.
Small business operators in townships, informal settlements, and hostel communities have been urged to apply for compliance certificates and ensure they have proper zoning certificates.
Non-compliant vendors identified during inspections will be fined and issued with prohibition notices, and face being shut down by local authorities.
The GDoH called on municipalities to intensify their efforts to enforce bylaws and ensure that local shops comply with hygiene standards to avoid potential contamination of food items.
