07 Jun 2018

About 192 students at Mokgalo Junior Secondary School in Lecheng were taken for medical attention after showing signs of diarrhoea and vomiting.

The deputy school head Ms Betty Phokoje informed the deputy district commissioner and the council chairperson during a meeting held  on June 6 at the school that the incident occurred on May 2 when students partaking in sports activities started complaining of painful running stomach and while some were vomiting.

Out of the 170 students who were at the games in Palapye 81 students were taken for medical attention where they were treated at Palapye medical facilities and discharged.

“This trickled down to boarding students who remained at school during the games, who also showed similar symptoms,” she said. Ms Phokoje further said the medical personnel at both medical facilities in Lecheng and Palapye took samples of blood and stools from students for testing as well as the food items that were consumed on Friday and the report would be given after 21 days.

Parents of the affected students from Malaka, Mokungwane, Mathakola, Mhalapitsa, Poloka and Otse were informed about the problem.

“While some affected students managed to attend classes, 14 critical students are still in hostels unable to attend lessons, while 14 students are reported to be home as per the request of their parents for further medical attention,” she said.

The matron Ms Linda Malidza added that since Friday was a school holiday, only students who attended sports games on that day and boarding students were served meals by the school.

She said it was worrisome that some students were refusing to eat meals prepared by the school, adding that this had exacerbated the problem as students especially critical ones were not responding to medication.

The area Councillor Mr Charles Mabjweng said since the students are refusing to eat meals prepared at the school kitchen, the school should get students food elsewhere.

He said diarrhoea could be caused by a lot of factors, therefore, it was risky to continue serving students food from the same kitchen, adding that food could be sourced elsewhere while awaiting the medical report.

He said the number of affected students was very high hence the school could have suspended classes temporarily to address the problem amicably.

Palapye sub council chairperson Mr Lesedi Phuthego said he would take up the issue of results so that were released within a short period of time, adding that 21 days was too long.

He said the results would help inform the Palapye Administrative Authority leadership to map a way forward. ENDS