JOHANNESBURG, Oct. 10 (Xinhua) -- Education authorities in South Africa's Limpopo Province are investigating a suspected case of food poisoning after 35 students were hospitalized on Wednesday.
The Limpopo Department of Education said in a statement released on Wednesday that food samples consumed by the affected students have been sent for testing.
According to the statement, the incident began when 22 students from Makahlule Primary School were rushed to a clinic on Wednesday afternoon after experiencing vomiting. Later, an additional 13 students were taken to the hospital with symptoms of headaches and stomach cramps. All the children have been discharged following treatment and medical examinations.
The statement added the education department, with the assistance of health inspectors, will examine the food, particularly snacks sold by vendors outside the school.
"We call on parents and the education community not to panic as the situation is under control and will be investigated thoroughly to ensure that learners are safe at all times," said Mavhungu Lerule-Ramakhanya, member of the executive council for education in Limpopo.
South Africa has seen an uptick in food poisoning cases among children this year. The Gauteng Department of Health said in early September that the province had reported 207 food poisoning cases and 10 related deaths since February. ■