Two schools in the Free State have been closed after students contracted influenza B and human rhinovirus. (Rosetta Mushimango/City Press)
- Two schools in the Free State have been closed for a week after several students fell ill.
- More than 100 students were infected with influenza B and human rhinovirus.
- The school will be fumigated before students return.
Two Free State schools have been closed after more than 100 students fell ill.
The state education department announced that Philippolis and Bergmanshute elementary schools in the Chaliep district were closed after several students were infected with influenza B and human rhinovirus.
Free State Department of Education spokesperson Howard Ndaba said: “We are told that Grade R to Year 5 classes are the hardest hit, with six out of 96 students.” . [who] He tested positive for these viruses and was hospitalized. ”
Ndaba said classes were canceled on the advice of the health department to avoid the spread of the “highly contagious” disease.
He said:
Classes at both schools will be suspended from March 7 to March 13, 2024. This is to allow learners to isolate while receiving treatment at home. Thankfully, experts from the Ministry of Health were brought in to investigate, treat, and educate the school community about the disease.
Influenza B viruses cause respiratory symptoms that affect the nose, throat, and sometimes the lungs. It also causes symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal discomfort.
Human rhinoviruses can also cause sore throats, ear infections, and sinus infections.
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“The Ministry of Health denies rumors that this outbreak is the result of food poisoning originating from school food, as pure speculation without any facts. We have not been able to determine the cause,” Ndaba said.
The school will be fumigated before students return.