A mysterious illness has killed one student and sickened 47 learners and five teachers at Mount Carmel High School in Mohale’s Hoek. As investigations continue, health officials have confirmed outbreaks of chicken pox and typhoid in Mohale’s Hoek and Mokhotlong.

14 April 2025 by Limpho Sello 

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A Grade 10 learner at Mount Carmel High School in Mohale’s Hoek has died from a mysterious illness that health officials suspect may be salmonella typhi. An additional 47 learners and five teachers have reported similar symptoms, prompting the Ministry of Education and Training to temporarily close the school.

Lelingoana Moroke, school principal, told Uncensored News his school is in distress after a strange illness swept through its students and teachers, claiming the life of a Grade 10 learner and affecting dozens of others.

Moroke said the illness first appeared in February 2025, initially affecting just one student. “She had a headache, looked weak and dizzy,” Moroke said. 

“We took her to the nearest clinic, but her condition continued to deteriorate. Since she is a boarder, we kept receiving updates on her health, and eventually released her to go home for better care from her parents.”

He added that the situation worsened in March. “After that first case, another student got sick and was also taken to the clinic. He was from Maseru, so we kept him here and, fortunately, he recovered—though he had lost a lot of weight.”

Moroke said more students began falling ill, presenting similar symptoms of severe headache, weakness, dizziness, chills, and in some cases, shivering. “We even ran out of over-the-counter painkillers we had stocked,” he said.

He said most of the students do not present with symptoms of diarrhea and stomachache.

 “That’s when I reported the matter to the Ministry of Education and Training as well as the local clinic.”

The clinic instructed the school to send all sick students for medical attention. “They ran tests and gave them medication,” Moroke said.

“Some were then referred to Ntšekhe Hospital for further monitoring. Some learners improved, while others became worse.”

He added: “The situation intensified when a student had to be transported to the hospital using a cow-drawn cart due to her severe condition. Despite investigations, including environmental assessments of school toilets and play areas, the cause of the illness remains unknown.”

Sudden death

“Last Sunday (April 6 2025), I had just returned from home when I received the devastating news that one of our Grade 10 learners had passed away,” Moroke said solemnly. 

“On Monday (April 7 2025), I informed the District Education Officer about the panic among students and asked if they could be given a break while investigations continue. We agreed on a short closure until after the Easter holidays.”

He indicated that four teachers were already receiving medical assistance, and the fifth failed to report to work due to his worsening condition. He indicated that on April 9 2025, two critically ill students were referred again to hospital after being re-examined at the school.

Investigation

Moroke emphasised that they are working closely with the Ministry of Health, describing the medical response team as “very dedicated.” 

“On Thursday, the Department of Environment visited the school and collected water samples from all sources—tap water, tank, and well—for laboratory testing,” he said..

“Right now, nothing has been confirmed. There are suspicions that it could be typhoid or expired food,” he said. “But we don’t use expired food. We get fresh vegetables from our school garden and source other food responsibly.”

The school’s principal told Uncensored News  on Thursday that the school remains closed, families and health officials await answers to what is causing the mysterious illness that has disrupted learning and claimed a young life.

The Ministry of Health responds  

On April 9, 2025, Minister of Health Selibe Mochoboroane told the National Assembly that his ministry is currently investigating an illness detected in Mount Carmel High School. He said the illness is suspected to be caused by a bacteria called Salmonella typhi.

“This bacteria is commonly associated with stomach flu, which usually results from consuming contaminated water or food,” he said.

Mochoboroane also revealed that the illness appears to be affecting the liver in some patients. 

“Among some of the patients, it has been discovered that their liver has been affected, which might be a clear indication of either misuse of medication or infection,” he explained.

He further said the Ministry suspects that poor environmental conditions may be contributing to the outbreak. “Looking at the current climate conditions, the suspicion is that this bacteria comes from contaminated water or food,” said Mochoboroane.

He assured parliament that a detailed report will be made public once the investigation concludes. In the meantime, he urged the public to maintain good hygiene. 

“The Ministry advises the public to maintain cleanliness and hygiene by frequently washing their hands with clean running water and soap, to prepare well-cooked food, and for those who feel unwell, they must visit the nearest health facility for medical consultation,” said Mochoboroane.

Chicken pox, typhoid fever outbreaks

Meanwhile, a Ministry of Health statement, dated April 9 2025, declared outbreaks of chicken pox and thyphiod fever in Mohale’s Hoek and Mokhotlong. 

“The Ministry of Health wishes to alert the nation about outbreaks of diseases in the Mohale’s Hoek district. The first type of outbreak is chicken pox, reported at Morifi High School, where fifteen (15) students have been affected. As a precautionary measure to reduce the spread, the school has been temporarily closed. The Ministry of Health is currently providing treatment to the affected students.

“Meanwhile, the Ministry also wishes to inform the honourable house parliament) and the public about two other incidents that occurred in the Mokhotlong district in March.”

The statement indicated that the first incident, in the village of Maluba-lube, involved several people who fell ill with symptoms of diarrhoea and vomiting. 

“Two people died as a result, though it was found that two others who passed away had pre-existing chronic illnesses. The Mokhotlong District Health Office visited the area and discovered that the cause of the illness was unsafe drinking water. 

“The community lacks access to clean water and relies on river water. It was found that a commonly used water tap was broken. The Ministry provided health education, preventative advice, and treatment to the affected. However, the issue remains unresolved as the root cause has not yet been addressed.”

The statement further indicated that the second incident was in Polihali, where 35 people reported to the health centre with diarrhoea from 15 March 2025 onward. Investigations found the cause to be unsafe food preparation methods. The Ministry responded with education and treatment efforts.

“Given the current weather conditions and the above incidents, the Ministry of Health suspects a widespread issue related to unsafe water and food. Therefore, the public is advised to: Wash hands regularly with soap and running water, boil drinking water, cook food thoroughly and seek medical attention at the nearest health facility if feeling unwell.”