Food poisoning linked to water contamination

Food poisoning that affected 33 learners at Maria Mwengere Secondary School in Rundu was linked to contaminated water in the school hostel., the minister of education, Sanet Steenkamp, told parliament.

Learners at the school fell ill after eating leftover macaroni and sausages served for dinner.  Soon after, they reported stomach pains, vomiting, headaches, and weakness.  Two learners were admitted to intensive care, while others were hospitalised for treatment and observation. Steenkamp said an investigation by the Ministry of Education and Ministry of Health confirmed that the hostel’s water supply was unsafe. 

She said inspectors found chlorine levels of 2.2 milligrams per litre in the water tank, above safe standards for human consumption. 

Steenkamp added that the investigation revealed that food handlers at the hostel had not undergone medical testing since 2014.  Inspectors also found staff without protective clothing such as aprons, boots and caps.  “Waste bins were placed inside the kitchen, and animals were able to roam near food preparation areas due to poor access control. These issues were seen as risks but not the direct cause of the outbreak.”  This raised the possibility that both food and water conditions contributed to the outbreak.