- 43 learners from M.E. Makgato Secondary School in Seshego were rushed to hospital after a sudden stomach illness struck the school
- The learners were distributed across four medical facilities, with 13 remaining admitted at Seshego Hospital on Friday, 16 October
- Health authorities launched an investigation into the possible cause, with food and water contamination among the suspected sources
Source: Getty Images
LIMPOPO — Dozens of senior learners from a secondary school in Seshego required urgent medical attention after a sudden outbreak of severe stomach illness swept through the institution.
The Limpopo Department of Health confirmed that 43 Grade 12 and senior learners from M.E. Makgato Secondary School were transported to hospital after presenting with acute stomach cramps and severe diarrhoea. Department spokesperson Neil Shikwambana confirmed that the affected learners were distributed across four facilities: Seshego Hospital, Helen Franz Hospital, Botlokwa Hospital, and WF Knobel Hospital.
Learners assessed and discharged
As of Friday, 16 October, Shikwambana confirmed that 13 learners remained admitted at Seshego Hospital and were continuing to receive medical treatment. The remaining learners had been assessed and discharged from the respective facilities. No fatalities have been reported.
Cause of outbreak still under investigation
Health authorities have opened a formal investigation to determine the origin of the illness. Officials are examining several possible sources, including contaminated food from the national school nutrition programme, unsafe drinking water, or a gastrointestinal infection circulating among learners. No definitive cause has been confirmed at this stage.
Source: Getty Images
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Source: Briefly News
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