Ekurhuleni warns public of rising cholera cases in Gauteng
Residents are urged to practice good hygiene and refrain from drinking water from untested sources.
The City of Ekurhuleni urges residents to take extra precautionary measures and maintain proper hand hygiene as the country experiences an outbreak of diarrhoeal disease and a rising number of confirmed cholera cases.
This has been sparked by the outbreak in neighbouring Hammanskraal that has claimed over 12 lives and over 50 people receiving medical care at Jubilee Hospital.
While this may be the case, no cases have been reported in the City of Ekurhuleni.
“The City of Ekurhuleni’s outbreak response teams are on high alert to respond to any case of cholera detected and to intensify health education and promotion to empower communities,” said municipal spokesperson Zweli Dlamini.
“It is also important for our people to note that our water remains clean and safe to use.”
Diarrhoeal disease is a common and often highly infectious condition that affects the stomach and intestines.
It is a leading cause of child mortality and morbidity in the world and mostly spreads by contact with an infected person or through contaminated food and drinking water sources.
Individuals generally become ill 12 to 48 hours after exposure.
Some of the common symptoms include diarrhoea, cramps, nausea, vomiting and low-grade fever.
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The National Health Department has also confirmed that the cumulative number of positive cholera cases has increased to 22, following the detection of four more cases in Gauteng, and seven cases in Vredefort and Parys, Free State.
The public is urged to avoid known or suspected contaminated food, water and surfaces, and wash hands thoroughly with soap before handling food or after using the bathroom to prevent possible infection.
Never drink water from unsafe sources such as rivers, dams or streams, unless boiled or disinfected first.
The National Department of Health will keep the country informed as far as the recent cholera outbreak is concerned.
