UPDATED: Learners of new Ermelo Primary School apparently treated for anaphylactic shock
Speculative statements of potential food poisoning has been made by people on the scene, but this could not be confirmed.
UPDATE: 16 August – 2.07pm
According to ER24 paramedic, Mr Hannes Nagel, learners are being treated for anaphylactic shock.
This can be due to an allergic reaction to an antigen to which the body has become hypersensitive.
He stated that anaphylactic shock can cause red skin, red eyes, itchiness as well as difficulty breathing.
Apparently the learners are being checked and treated symptomatically.
He said that he could not pin down the exact cause as there are several things that need to be factored in or could cause this.
“It can be fiberglass from the buildings, the dust of fiberglass, the pink foam/lining in roofs (asbestos) there are several things that could cause it, but for some learners it could also just be psychosomatic.”
UPDATE: 16 August – 1.24pm
According to a person on the scene, food samples were collected at the school for testing.
Some of the vendors, who also sell snacks on the school premises, said the children developed symptoms yesterday.
Ambulance personnel are still transporting children to and from the school.
Parents are also on the scene.
16 August – 1.05pm
The Provincial Ambulance Services as well as ER24 are responding to New Ermelo Primary School after learners simultaneously developed symptoms which include itchy skin.
At this stage teachers and the deputy principal are tight lipped.
Speculative statements of potential food poisoning has been made by people on the scene however, the Highvelder could not confirm the speculation and will wait until a statement has been issued.
This is a developing story and information is still vague.
As soon as more information is gathered the Highvelder will update its readers.
