Over 30 Pupils Hospitalised After Suspected Mango Food Poisoning at Kitale School
The affected learners, all in Grade 4 at Big Tree Comprehensive School, reportedly began experiencing stomach pains and discomfort on Thursday, March 12, shortly after sharing mangoes during school hours.
According to preliminary reports, the incident began when one pupil brought two mangoes to school and shared the fruit with classmates during the morning break. Shortly afterwards, several of the learners started complaining of abdominal pain, nausea and general stomach discomfort.
School administrators quickly raised the alarm as the number of pupils reporting similar symptoms continued to rise.
Concerned teachers and school officials immediately arranged for the affected learners to be transported to Wamalwa Kijana Teaching and Referral Hospital, where they were admitted for medical examination and treatment.
Medical staff at the hospital confirmed that the pupils were received with symptoms consistent with food poisoning, including stomach cramps and mild gastrointestinal distress.
<u>“Most of them had taken fruit earlier in the morning which we suspect had been contaminated with pesticides. We immediately began treatment by administering fluids and medication,”</u> the doctor said.
The remaining pupils were monitored at school and by their families after medical personnel determined their symptoms were mild.
Doctors later reassured parents that the children were responding well to treatment and that the situation was under control.
“They were not badly affected. After receiving medication, the pupils improved significantly and many of them are ready to be discharged home,” the medical officer added.
Hospital officials confirmed that none of the children were in critical condition and that most had stabilised within hours of receiving treatment.
Health authorities have since collected samples of the fruit for testing as part of efforts to determine whether chemical contamination was responsible for the illness.
Food safety experts warn that fruits exposed to pesticides without proper washing can sometimes lead to poisoning, especially among young children whose bodies are more sensitive to chemical exposure.
Meanwhile, law enforcement agencies have launched an inquiry to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident.
Parents of the affected pupils gathered outside the hospital and the school premises seeking updates on the condition of their children, with many expressing relief after learning that the learners were recovering.
Education officials in Trans-Nzoia County have also been notified about the incident and are expected to work with health authorities to ensure preventive measures are implemented.
For now, parents and teachers are awaiting the results of laboratory tests, which are expected to provide clarity on the exact substance responsible for the suspected poisoning.
Officials say the findings will guide further action and help prevent similar incidents from occurring in schools in the future
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Over 30 Pupils Hospitalised After Suspected Mango Food Poisoning at Kitale School
