Over 200 students hit by food poisoning in Baringo school

Kituro High School in Baringo where over 200 students were treated for food poisoning. PHOTO | CHEBOITE KIGEN | NATION MEDIA GROUP

What you need to know:

  • According to a medical officer at Kituro Health Centre, who sought for anonymity because he is not authorised to give press statements, more than 50 students tested positive to food poisoning.

  • A spot check by the Nation at the health facility on Wednesday found more than 12 students who were complaining of stomach pains and were waiting to be attended to.

More than 200 students of Kituro High School in Baringo Central have been sent home over suspected food poisoning.

The learners, who were complaining of stomach pains and headache, were treated at a Kituro Health Centre and sent home.

HEADACHE

The school's head-teacher Salina Rotich on Wednesday confirmed that the students went home since Monday, and that some had already returned.

"We had more than 10 students on Monday who were complaining of stomach pains and headache. The number increased the following day but they were treated and released to go home," she said.

She said parents of the ill students had been contacted and were aware that their children were heading home.

"The situation has been contained and some of the students who had gone home have since resumed and there is no cause for alarm,” she added.

There were fears that the learners could have contracted cholera but the administrator said the symptoms had since been confirmed to be those of food poisoning.

CHOLERA

Contacted for comment, Baringo County Director of Education Willy Machocho also dispelled fears of a cholera outbreak.

"I want to dispel fears that there is a cholera outbreak in the said institution. Preliminary investigation indicate that it is suspected food poisoning," said Mr Machocho.

He said the situation had already been contained and a public health officer had been sent to the school.

Mr Machocho added that they suspect that a supplier had brought stale bread to the school canteen.

"We have since suspended the supplier," said Mr Machocho.

POSITIVE

According to a medical officer at Kituro Health Centre, who sought for anonymity because he is not authorised to give press statements, more than 50 students tested positive to food poisoning.

A spot check by the Nation at the health facility on Wednesday found more than 12 students who were complaining of stomach pains and were waiting to be attended to.

Baringo Central Public Health Officer Agnes Chesire said tests for cholera were negative.

"We have gone round the school and carried out several tests and, according to our findings, there is no cholera outbreak in the institution but we suspect food poisoning,” said Ms Chesire.