A postmortem has found that Wendy Abetti Oyugi, 14, a Form One student at Sacred Heart Mukumu Girls’ High School in Kakamega, Kenya passed away from gastritis (stomach inflammation).
Government pathologist Dr. Titus Ngulungu conducted an experiment on Monday night at Umash Funeral Home in Nakuru County, and the results showed that the minor who passed away at the facility had stomach bleeding as a result of the inflammation.
“After examination of the body l have formed the opinion that the deceased died because of gastritis. However, l have collected more samples for toxicology tests at the government chemist to ascertain what caused the stomach inflammation,” stated Dr. Ngulungu.
The pathologist said, “She was well-hydrated at the time of her death.”
Only additional testing will be able to determine if a chemical or bacteria was to blame for the inflammation, according to the pathologist who questioned whether it was due to bacteria.
Dr. Ngulungu remarked that whatever caused the student’s swelling and bleeding must have been ingested.
In the presence of Wendy’s parents and other family members, the postmortem was performed.
The kid was sent home for treatment last Wednesday after the school decided to dismiss her due to the deterioration of her condition.
Joyce Oyugi, Wendy’s mother, claims that the deputy principal of the school told her of her daughter’s illness last week.
The teacher requested that she pick up the girl the next day from school.
At a hospital in Bungoma, the girl received care for what was thought to be a bacterial infection before being released.
Wendy, who was living in Bungoma with her older sister, allegedly called her mother to say that she was well despite feeling faint.
However, on March 31, her older daughter called in a panic to say that Wendy’s condition had gotten worse.
The 14-year-old was taken urgently to Life Care Hospital but died there before medical personnel could treat her.
Wendy died at a young age, and Ms. Oyugi said, “I am extremely heartbroken. She had a great future.”
“I don’t blame anyone,” she continued, “the school told me of my daughter’s illness in ample time.”
Next week, Ms. Oyugi added, her daughter will be laid to rest at their Siaya County home.
“She was a lovely young lady. I lost a buddy and my daughter. She will be sorely missed, “She spoke.
At least 246 schoolchildren were hospitalised with nausea, diarrhoea, and dizziness.
The students were taken urgently to the St. Elizabeth Mukumu hospital and the Kakamega County General Teaching and Referral Hospital after becoming ill.
According to initial medical results, the students may have had food or water poisoning.
Samples of food were taken and sent to the Kenya Medical Research Institute (Kemri) laboratory for testing.