At least 68 students from St Thomas Aquinas Igumori Secondary School in Mbeere South, Embu County, are receiving treatment in various hospitals after consuming suspected contaminated cow head meat. The affected students, all in Form Four, developed severe stomach pains and diarrhea, prompting an urgent medical response.
The alarming incident unfolded after the students had their meals, with some reportedly complaining of abdominal pain. Concerned teachers and staff rushed them to a level 3 hospital where they are undergoing treatment, with five being referred to Embu Level 5 hospital for further treatment.
Speaking to journalists, school principal Paul Mwaniki confirmed that only Form Four students were affected, while others who ate regular meat showed no symptoms. He speculated that the contamination might have occurred during the preparation of the cow head meat.
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Despite the distressing situation, Mwaniki assured parents and the school community that there was no cause for panic, as medics had swiftly intervened. He noted that preliminary reports indicated contamination, but samples had been taken for further tests to confirm the source of contamination.
Meanwhile, health officers from the county government have launched investigations into the incident. They are examining the school’s food storage, preparation methods, and specific meat suppliers to determine whether negligence contributed to the contamination.
As the affected students recover, education officials and health experts urge all learning institutions to enforce strict food safety measures.
By Brian Kaleti
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