Sacred Heart Mukumu Girls High School closed indefinitely over suspected food poisoning

Main entrance of Sacred Heart Mukumu Girls. [Duncan Ocholla, Standard]

Sacred Heart Mukumu Girls High School in Kakamega has been closed indefinitely following the death of two students after suspected food and water poisoning.

Regional Education director Jared Obiero on Monday, April 3, confirmed that the school had been closed fearing that more students could end up being infected following an outbreak that has left at least 25 students hospitalised.

On March 28, over 100 students from the school were admitted to the hospital with fever and diarrhoea symptoms.

Mr Obiero said that investigations by the Ministry of Health are still underway to determine the possible source of the contamination.

Two students lost their lives in the wake of the infection and some are still being admitted to the nearby hospitals in Kakamega Referral Hospital and St Elizabeth Mukumu Mission Hospital.

Kakamega Senator Dr Boni Khalwale said that the school administration should be held accountable and legal actions taken against them.

"The school stands closed. The principal, bursars and business suppliers the school works with should all be apprehended," Khalwale said.