Share

Close to 50 pupils felled by mysterious stomach cramps

Close to 50 children from a Polokwane school were taken to hospital on Tuesday after complaining about severe stomach cramps. 

According to ER24 spokesperson Russel Meiring, paramedics arrived on scene and found other healthcare services already assessing the children.

"Emergency personnel assessed at least 50 children and found that they had been experiencing abdominal pains as well as nausea and vomiting," he said.

Meiring said, once treated, the pupils were transported to various hospitals in the area for further treatment.  

"The details surrounding this incident are not yet known but local authorities were on the scene for further investigations," he added.

Polokwane Education Department spokesperson Sam Makondo said the department was aware of the incident.

Makondo said the pupils were from an independent school, Northern Academy.

"We learnt through our circuit office that learners from an independent school Northern Academy were taken to hospital where they were checked and discharged today. This after they complained of cramps. They were 46 in number," he said.

Makondo said the department is responsible for the welfare of pupils in the province regardless of whether they attended public or independent schools.

He said details surrounding the incident were still being gathered.

"As soon as we get a detailed report, we will determine the next step. At this stage we are just relieved that the learners are back at school as expected," he added.

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Voting Booth
What is a non-negotiable when considering the election manifestos from various parties?
Please select an option Oops! Something went wrong, please try again later.
Results
A solid plan for load shedding
15% - 442 votes
Bold climate change objectives
1% - 30 votes
Roadmap for economic recovery
51% - 1522 votes
Solutions to SA's crime crisis
33% - 975 votes
Vote
Rand - Dollar
19.00
-0.5%
Rand - Pound
23.95
-0.2%
Rand - Euro
20.50
-0.2%
Rand - Aus dollar
12.34
+0.1%
Rand - Yen
0.13
-0.5%
Platinum
895.30
-0.2%
Palladium
991.47
-1.0%
Gold
2,194.13
-0.0%
Silver
24.44
-0.8%
Brent Crude
86.09
-0.2%
Top 40
67,910
+0.3%
All Share
74,134
+0.3%
Resource 10
56,271
+1.1%
Industrial 25
103,558
+0.3%
Financial 15
16,498
-0.2%
All JSE data delayed by at least 15 minutes Iress logo
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE