Kayova food poisoning death toll rises to 13

The death toll among the members of one family in the Kavango East region due to suspected food poisoning has increased to 13.

The dead are part of a family of 18 at Kayova village in the Ndiyona constituency who allegedly consumed porridge made from flour from the residue of traditional beer, known locally as mundevere.

Seven family members died initially, and by yesterday morning nine were reported to have died.

By 14h00 yesterday, four more family members were reported to have succumbed to botulism, bringing the death toll to 13.

Meanwhile, the Swapo Party Youth League (SPYL) in Kavango East region says it is saddened by the passing of innocent young people at Kayova.

Regional secretary Anselm Marungu yesterday said the country has lost young people who could have contributed to the country’s development in the future.

“We are therefore sending this message to the bereaved family. We are with you during this difficult time,” Marungu said.

He said the youth league would pay a visit to the bereaved family in due time.

“We leave it all in the Lord’s hands, because it’s God who gives, and it’s him who takes.

“We also pray to God to save the lives of those who are still battling for their lives in the hospital.

“We also urge the officials at the Ministry of Health and Social Services to do what they can to save those still in hospital,” Marungu said.

Ministry of Health and Social Services executive director Ben Nangombe in a statement yesterday said members of a family, ranging from two to 33 years old, allegedly consumed porridge made from flour “with an additive of dried, pounded, fermented sediment from a homemade beverage locally known as mundevere” on Saturday.

Nangombe said the family members went to Nyangana District Hospital on 27 May, with signs and symptoms of food poisoning.

Due to their critical illness, 13 were transferred to Rundu Intermediate Hospital.

The additional four, who died by yesterday afternoon, were among those transferred to Rundu Intermediate Hospital.

“All the patients are being monitored closely. Additional blood samples were also taken for alcohol poisoning testing,” Nangombe said.

He said the health ministry has deployed a team of social workers to provide psychological support and counselling to the bereaved family, and officials from the ministry will provide health education to members of the community on food preparation practices and the dangers of mixing food with potentially contaminated materials.

“The Ministry of Health and Social Services herewith conveys our deepest sympathy and condolences to the bereaved family,” Nangombe said.

He urged members of the public to take precautionary measures, such as washing pots and other cooking utensils with clean water, storing food in safe places, and keeping raw and cooked foods separate to avoid food poisoning.