RUNDU – Four minors have so far died due to a suspected food poisoning incident which occurred on 26 February at Livayi village in the Ndiyona constituency, Kavango East region.

Four of the surviving victims are reported to be recovering, and are said to be in a stable condition.

Elfriede Ngombe Shinyemba (8), passed away at home at Livayi village, while one-year-old Melania Nahambo Kaveto passed away upon arrival at the Rundu Intermediate Hospital.

13-year-old Christoph Shinyemba, who prepared the food, also died while in the Rundu Intermediate Hospital on Thursday, 29 February, while Celestinus Thindimba Kaveto (10) died on 1 March.

“The patients below are currently admitted at the Rundu Intermediate Hospital since 27 February. Kaveto Wilbard Kaveto: male, four-year-old, is still in the high care ward, condition is sick but stable and fully conscious and breathing normal on room air. Eating and drinking well. Passed stools only on 4 March. Another patient is Johanna Namvhura Haingura, two-year-old female, who has been transferred to the paediatric ward on 29 February for continuous monitoring, but her condition is very stable,’’ said regional health director Idah Mendai, who updated Kavango East governor Bonifatius Wakudumo.

“Manfred Kaunda Muduva, a five-year-old male, was also transferred to the paediatric ward on 29 February for continuous monitoring, and his condition is very stable. Four-year-old male Kapinga Markus Shikoka was likewise transferred to the paediatric ward on the same day for continuous monitoring, and his condition is likewise very stable,” she continued.

In her report, Mendai further indicated that the other suspected food poisoning victims, both girls aged 16 years, who were admitted at the Nyangana District Hospital for observation, have recently been discharged, namely Marseline Mushova Mudi Shinyemba and Agnes Makena Shikundiko.

-jmuyamba@nepc.com.na