According to reports, food poisoning at CHIJ Secondary Toa Payoh, has left 200 students quite ill.
Food Poisoning at CHIJ Secondary
On Thursday July 19, the Ministry of Health (MOH) was informed "of an incident of food poisoning" at the school, reports Channel NewsAsia.
By Friday July 20, around 200 students suffered from gastrointestinal symptoms. The exact cause of the food poisoning is unknown, and MOH investigations are ongoing.
"Investigations are ongoing to determine the potential source of this incident," MOH said.
The principal of the school Mrs Karen Tay, is quoted by CNA as saying that none of the kids were hospitalised. Also, most of them returned to school.
"The school is monitoring the situation and working with the relevant government agencies to ascertain the cause of the symptoms," she said.
However, as a precautionary step, the school had the classrooms of the sick kids and all toilets disinfected and cleaned.
Food poisoning at Singapore schools is not that rare. In April this year over 100 students of Nanyang Girls' High School suffered from stomach cramps and diarrhoea. And earlier in the year in January, 14 students in Yishun's Northland Secondary school were rushed to hospital with gastrointestinal illness symptoms.
Food Poisoning Symptoms
Food poisoning is the result of eating contaminated, spoiled or toxic food. Bacteria is the most common cause of food poisoning. The main culprits are E.coli, listeria and salmonella.
The most common symptoms include nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea.
However, the sick person may also experience the following symptoms:
- Stomach cramps
- Mild fever
- Weakness
- Headaches
You need to see a doctor immediately for the following symptoms of food poisoning:
- Diarrhoea for more than three days
- Fever higher than 38.3 Celsius
- Bloody urine
- Difficulty seeing or speaking
- Symptoms of dehydration including dry mouth, passing little to no urine and difficulty keeping down fluids.
Sources: HealthLine, Channel NewsAsia