The Ministry of Health in Jamaica is monitoring the health of 19 students from a primary school in St. Thomas who ingested unprescribed tablets that were sold to them by an unauthorised person.
The Gleaner reported last Friday that a man entered the school compound on September 13 and again on September 14 selling the tablets which he reportedly said would enhance the students’ speed.
The students reportedly began displaying signs of illness shortly after consuming the pills.
Eighteen students were subsequently taken to the Princess Margaret Hospital and one taken to a private doctor for treatment.
The health ministry, said in a statement, that at the time of the incident some of the children had symptoms, with the most common symptom being abdominal pain followed by drowsiness.
According to the ministry, all except one child was clinically well on assessment, with that one child being diagnosed and treated for mild allergy.
The health ministry is urging parents and teachers to be alert for persons who will try to sell or give substances to children.
