CARLETONVILLE – More than 70 grade 12 pupils are currently under medical care at Carletonville District Hospital following a suspected food poisoning incident at a matric camp in Fochville, on the West Rand. The incident occurred on Thursday morning, October 10th, affecting students from several schools in the area.
The Gauteng Department of Health (GDoH) confirmed that 74 female pupils, aged between 17 and 20, were involved. The students, attending a matric camp at Fochville Secondary School, began experiencing symptoms of stomach cramps and diarrhoea around 9am. They initially sought treatment at two local clinics: 42 learners reported to Fochville Clinic and 32 to Kokosi Clinic.
GDoH spokesperson, Motalatale Modiba, provided details on the incident and the department's response.
“The learners, aged between 17 and 20 years, were part of a matric camp at Fochville Secondary School and reported to Fochville Clinic (42 learners) and Kokosi Clinic (32 learners) this morning around 9am with similar symptoms of stomach cramps and diarrhoea,” he stated.
Following initial assessments at the clinics, all affected pupils were referred to Carletonville District Hospital for further evaluation.
"Upon assessment, all affected pupils were referred to Carletonville District Hospital for further medical evaluation," Modiba confirmed.
While the majority of the students were transported to Carletonville District Hospital, one learner was taken to a private facility. Modiba assured the public that the health department is actively monitoring the situation and that, thankfully, most of the learners are in stable condition.
“One learner was taken to a private facility while 73 went to the hospital. Our healthcare teams are closely monitoring the situation. Fortunately, the learners are mostly in a stable condition,” he said.
The schools involved have been identified as Fochville Secondary School, Badirile Secondary School, and Wedela Technical School. The incident comes shortly after a devastating incident in Naledi, Soweto, where five children tragically died from suspected food poisoning, with another child remaining in critical condition in hospital.
In light of these recent events, the health department has issued a public reminder about the importance of food safety. They emphasise the need for careful handling of both perishable and non-perishable food items. Modiba also addressed the issue of pest control, advising the public to consider alternatives to pesticides and insecticides. He stressed the importance of following safety instructions when using such chemicals and seeking immediate medical attention if poisoning is suspected.
“The public's further advised to consider alternative methods other than pesticides and insecticides to make their properties and gardens unattractive to pests. Where pesticides and insecticides are used, it's important to follow the safety instructions and seek urgent medical attention if you suspect poisoning,” he advised.
The GDoH continues to monitor the condition of the affected students and will provide further updates as they become available. Investigations into the source of the suspected food poisoning at the matric camp are likely underway.
