The incident is said to have occurred at Msintsi Location near Ntabozuko, outside KuGompo, formerly known as East London.

Seven children, aged between four and seven, were admitted to Cecilia Makiwane Hospital on Saturday after suddenly falling ill.

Health officials say six of the children are from Msintsi, while one child is from NU3 in Mdantsane.

The children reportedly showed symptoms including vomiting, diarrhoea and dizziness. Despite emergency medical efforts, two children were declared dead on arrival at the hospital.

Five children are still receiving medical care. One child has been placed on a ventilator and transferred to Frere Hospital for specialised treatment, while the remaining four are reported to be in stable condition and continue to be monitored.

Preliminary information provided by families suggests that six of the children had been playing together and had eaten snacks before becoming ill.

The circumstances surrounding the illness of the child from Mdantsane are still being investigated.

The cause of the suspected food poisoning has not yet been confirmed.

The Eastern Cape Department of Health says emergency and outbreak response protocols were immediately activated, and environmental health practitioners have been deployed to identify the source of the contamination.

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“We are implementing combined hearing and vision screening in Eastern Cape Department of Health centres for kids 0-6 years, in partnership with the Department of Education,” said Mrs Nolubeko Xuma-Soyizwapi, Deputy Director Responsible for Rehabilitation Services. “This Initiative aims to identify potential issues early, ensuring timely interventions and support for our youngest learners. We’re committed to giving them the best possible start to life.”

The handover occasion highlights the Rehabilitation Service Program of the Eastern Cape Department of Health’s commitment to offering premium healthcare, particularly to its most vulnerable communities.

“This is an 18-months project from December 2024 to June 2026 aiming to establish the previously existing need of screening high risk new born infants that had been referred including those that are not referred by the treating paediatricians,” stated Dr Yose, Senior Manager of Medical Services at Cecilia Makiwane Hospital. “Hearing on the first month for babies is crucial in facilitating early hearing detection and intervention.”

Alongside this modern tool, healthcare suppliers will be able to uncover hearing challenges immediately, guiding to encourage action that amplifies the standard of life for affected children,” she added.

“CHAI operates at the nexus of government, business and health to catalyse more equitable access to health care,” declared Ms A Nzuzo, a delegate from CHAI.

“We have screened more than 10000 babies,” she stated.

Both The Rehabilitation Services Program of The Eastern Cape Department of Health and CHAI anticipate ongoing collaboration aimed at improving healthcare services and outcomes for the residents of the Eastern Cape.

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