CoE gives locals cholera safety tips
The public is also advised to never drink water from unsafe sources such as rivers, dams and streams unless it is boiled or disinfected.
Ekurhuleni remains on high alert to respond to any case of cholera.
Although the City of Ekurhuleni has had no reported cases of cholera since February this year, it calls for residents to continue to handle water and other liquids for consumption with vigilance.
This follows an appeal by the National Department of Health for members of the public to be vigilant as the cholera death toll rises and has claimed the lives of at least 47 people across the country.
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In response to the National Department of Health’s warning to residents in affected areas, and growing calls from unions and civil society for urgent intervention, the city’s spokesperson Zweli Dlamini said, “The City of Ekurhuleni’s outbreak response teams continues to be on high alert to respond to the detection of any case of cholera.
“Plans are in place to intensify health education and promotion to empower communities and schools in anticipation of the re-opening of public schools for the third term,” said Dlamini.
The public is urged to avoid known or suspected contaminated food, water and surfaces, and to wash hands thoroughly with soap before handling food or after using the bathroom, to prevent possible infection.
The public is also advised to never drink water from unsafe sources such as rivers, dams and streams unless it is boiled or disinfected.
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Residents are reminded to disinfect and clean surfaces because the cholera bacteria spread from contaminated water.
Cholera prevention tips:
• Treat or sterilise the water before drinking or cooking.
• Boil water for at least one minute before drinking.
• Put one teaspoon of household bleach into 25 litres of water.
• Wash your hands with soap and water.
• Wash hands before and after preparing food and after using the toilet.
• Use sanitation facilities that are safely managed to get rid of faeces.
• Do not put plastic bags in chemical toilets.
• Always boil, cook and peel what you eat.
• Always disinfect and clean work surfaces.
• Areas for food preparation and kitchen counters should be cleaned with soap and treated water.
For more information, you may contact Dlamini on 082 573 6464 or zweli.dlamini@ekurhuleni.gov.za.
