The Gauteng Department of Health (GDoH) would like to confirm another incident of food poisoning which occurred on Wednesday, 04 October where four boys aged 2, 3, 4 and 6 years from West Rand District allegedly consumed sweets and chips from a vendor at West Deep in Westonaria. Sadly this resulted in two of the boys (2 and 3 years) being declared dead on arrival at Bekkersdal West Community Health Centre. 

The other two boys (4 and 6 years) have since been transferred to Leratong Hospital for observation and further management, they are both in a stable condition. The department has since offered trauma counselling services to the affected families. 

The recent tragedy brings to four the number of children who died from food poisoning related incidents in as many days. The GDoH would like to pass its heartfelt condolences to the families that have lost their loved ones and also wish speedy recovery to those that who are currently admitted at hospitals. 

Outbreak Response teams in both Johannesburg and West Rand districts continue to be on ground in Naledi and West Deep and surrounding areas engaging locals and conducting health education. 

The awareness is focusing on food handling, preparation, storage and food safety, the importance of checking food expiry labels and hand washing before handling food. Communities are also empowered on what to do when presenting with food poisoning symptoms such as cramping, nausea, vomiting or diarrhoea. 

Part of the advocacy work includes reaching out to vendors and spaza shops in the area to check compliance in terms of the Foodstuffs, Cosmetics and Disinfectants Act and food labelling regulations. 

 The outbreak response team has visited the affected families to provide support, counselling and to conduct further investigations in the households. 

The department is urging the public to visit their nearest health facilities when they present with symptoms such as: vomiting, sudden chest pains, body ache/weakness, fever or foam in the mouth. 

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Issued by the Gauteng Department of Health