In Summary:
- More than 50 pupils from Kanaani Integrated Primary School in Athi River, Machakos County, were hospitalized after ingesting poisonous fruits found on the school premises.
- Machakos County Health Executive Daniel Yumbwa reported symptoms of vomiting and severe abdominal pain among the affected students, prompting swift action and collaboration with the police.
Over 50 students from Kanaani Integrated Primary School in Athi River, Machakos County, found themselves in the hospital after consuming toxic wild fruits from a tree within the school compound.
Machakos County Health Executive, Daniel Yumbwa, highlighted symptoms such as vomiting and severe abdominal pain among the affected students, necessitating the collection of samples for further investigation at the Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI).
“We were able to mobilize our resources and send ambulances to the affected students with help from the police,” said Yumbya.
Yumbwa commended the rapid response of health authorities, mobilizing resources and dispatching ambulances with assistance from the police.
Initially, 24 students showed symptoms, with an additional 27 later affected, totaling 51 students who ingested the poisonous fruits.
In line with safety measures, authorities opted to remove the tree to prevent similar incidents in the future.