Edenvale Hospital outpatient adds to number of cholera cases in SA
The man presented himself at the Edenvale Hospital with a four-day history of diarrhoea, vomiting and body weakness.
An Edenvale Hospital outpatient is one of five people who tested positive for cholera.
The 28-year-old man from Alexandra has no local or international travel history.
Department of Health s pokesperson Foster Mohale said the patient presented himself at the Edenvale Hospital Emergency Centre with a four-day history of diarrhoea, vomiting and body weakness.
“A specimen was collected for testing and the patient was not admitted at the hospital but managed as an outpatient and given treatment to take home, and requested to return for his results which came back positive,” said Mohale.
“The outbreak response team conducted a case investigation visited the patient’s residence and workplace the following day.
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First death:
The fifth case was a 24-year-old man from Emandleni, Wattville. “He also presented with diarrhea and was admitted at Tambo Memorial Hospital. His results confirmed positive status and he died a few days later,” said Mohale.
“The body of the deceased will be transported to KwaZulu-Natal for burial and health officials will advise the family and undertakers of the safe burial precautions to prevent the spread of the disease,” said Mohale.
“One of his contacts is still in hospital and further investigation is being conducted.”
The man’s death follows an announcement of three cases a few weeks ago.
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Cholera predominantly spreads through contaminated water.
“People can become infected directly through drinking contaminated water or indirectly through eating contaminated food,” advised Mohale.
Symptoms include diarrhoea, dehydration, vomiting and body weakness.
Mohale reminded community members to maintain hand hygiene to prevent possible transmission.
“People who experience cholera-like symptoms, with or without local or international travel history, are encouraged to visit their nearest health facility for screening and testing to ensure early detection and treatment if they test positive,” said Mohale.
