The Eastern Cape Department of Health has confirmed a suspected food poisoning incident involving seven children from Msintsi location near Berlin.
Six children from Msintsi and one from NU3 Mdantsane were admitted to Cecilia Makiwane Hospital after presenting with symptoms including vomiting, diarrhoea and dizziness. The children are aged between four and seven years.
Two children were tragically declared dead on arrival at the hospital despite efforts by medical staff. Five others remain under medical care, with one child transferred to Frere Hospital for advanced critical treatment. The remaining four are reported to be in stable condition.
Preliminary information suggests that six of the children had been playing together and consumed snacks before falling ill. The circumstances surrounding the illness of the child from Mdantsane are still being investigated. The exact cause of the suspected food poisoning has not yet been confirmed.
The Department of Health says emergency response protocols were immediately activated, and environmental health officials have been deployed to investigate the source of the incident.
The department has extended its condolences to the affected families and says further updates will be provided as information becomes available.
