Several pupils hospitalised over suspected food poisoning in Rwamagana

By The Inspirer.

Several pupils and reportedly some teachers at a primary school in Rwamagana District have fallen ill and been taken to hospital in a suspected food poisoning incident, although the cause has not been confirmed.

The incident occurred at a primary school in Gishike Village, Kaduha Cell, Munyaga Sector, where affected children were taken to Munyaga Health Centre for treatment. Those in more serious condition were transferred to Rwamagana Hospital.

Local sources told UMUSEKE that many pupils had fallen ill, with some showing signs of weakness. The number of patients reportedly overwhelmed the health centre’s available beds, prompting the use of ambulances to transport them for treatment.

A parent whose child was receiving treatment at Rwamagana Hospital said the children had experienced symptoms including abdominal pain, diarrhoea, headaches and fever.

“Looking at the children in the room where we are, none appears to be in a very serious condition. We are hopeful they will recover,” the parent said.

Rwamagana District Mayor Mbonyumuvunyi Radjab said the children had received treatment and were doing well. He suggested that contaminated rainwater could have contributed to the illness, although the cause had not been established.

“The children have been treated and are doing well so far. It could have been something like rainwater they drank, but they are receiving treatment. Some have already gone home, while others are expected to be discharged. Three will remain in hospital overnight and may leave tomorrow. It is not a very serious situation,” he told UMUSEKE.

However, a parent at Rwamagana Hospital disputed the claim that some children had already been discharged, saying none had left at the time and that more patients were still arriving at the emergency department.

The exact number of affected pupils and their discharge status remained unclear, while the cause of the illness had not been confirmed at the time of reporting.

The incident raises concerns about food and water safety in schools, particularly the risk of illnesses caused by contaminated food or drinking water.

The World Health Organization estimates that contaminated food causes about 600 million illnesses and 420,000 deaths worldwide each year. Children under five account for approximately 125,000 of those deaths, underscoring the importance of food safety, particularly for young children.