Primary school halts classes after mysterious bugs attack pupils
When the pupils went into their classes after the removal of the ceiling they were allegedly attacked by unknown insects."We took 34 learners to the nearby Dilokong Hospital with swollen faces and feet. A few teachers also consulted their private doctors for treatment," he added
DRIEKOP – Classes were suspended at Tumishi Primary School last week. Thirty-four pupils in grade four were hospitalised. It is suspected that they were bitten or somehow affected by unidentified insects.
According to one of the members of the school governing body (SGB), Mr Simon Mkhondo, the school’s ceilings were damaged and falling apart and were home to various bats.
“Last Thursday the school management decided to remove the ceilings as they were dangerous. Little did we know that it was the start of our problems,” Mkhondo said.When the pupils went into their classes after the removal of the ceiling they were allegedly attacked by unknown insects.”We took 34 learners to the nearby Dilokong Hospital with swollen faces and feet. A few teachers also consulted their private doctors for treatment,” he added.Mkhondo confirmed that the pupild were treated and discharged.
“The whole school was fumigated on Tuesday to get rid of the pests,” he added. The school was closed between February 16 and 22.The principal of the school refused to comment and said the Limpopo Department of Education should be contacted for comment.Dr Nelidzani Rasiri spokesman of the Limpopo Department of Education said his department did not receive any complaints from Tumishi. He promised to contact the school to find out about the problems.”Safety of learners and education are both vital to us. We will investigate the matter and try to find a solution,” he said.Dilokong Hospital’s spokesman, Mr William Makola, was not available for comment.
