Locals urged to help fight the spread Cholera with good hygiene

By the end of February Gauteng had six confirmed cholera cases and one reported death.

ALSO READ: Edenvale Hospital outpatient adds to number of cholera cases in SA

According to the National Institute for Communicable Diseases, the cases all included adults who ranged from 19 to 44 years old.

As of the beginning of March, no confirmed cases were reported in other provinces.

NICD stated that the first three cases were import-related cases following travel to Malawi.

Patients four and five were infected locally as they had not travelled, had no links to imported cases or each other, and don’t reside or work in the same area.

The sixth case, which was newly reported is under investigation.

South Africa’s first cholera death in over a decade was announced on February 23.

Health Minister Dr Joe Phaahla confirmed that the death of a 24-year-old man was linked to the recent cases of cholera.

The deceased lived in the Emandleni informal settlement in Wattville near Benoni.

Phaahla said the patient presented with profuse watery diarrhoea.

ALSO READ: World Health Day calls for good health for locals

He was admitted to the Tambo Memorial Hospital where tests confirmed his cholera diagnosis.

“Sadly, he passed away a few days later,” said Phaahla

Gauteng MEC for Health and Wellness, Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehok urged the public to practice proper hand hygiene and not to drink water from contaminated sources

“We can never over-emphasise the importance of the public visiting the nearest health facilities when presenting mild to severe and watery diarrhoea and dehydration symptoms,” said Nkomo-Ralehok

“The practice of proper hand hygiene which includes thorough washing of hands with water and soap before and after using the bathroom and also when handling food is critical,” explained Nkomo–Ralehoko.

According to the World Health Organisation cholera is an acute diarrhoeal infection.

ALSO READ: The link between eczema and mental health

It is caused by ingesting food or water contaminated with the bacterium Vibrio cholerae.

WHO described the disease as a threat to public health and an indicator of inequity and lack of social development.

Describing the symptoms WHO stated that cholera is an extremely virulent disease that can cause severe acute watery diarrhoea.

Other symptoms described by NICD include vomiting and body weakness.

“It takes between 12 hours and five days for a person to show symptoms after ingesting contaminated food or water.”

“It affects children and adults and can kill within hours if untreated.

“Most people infected with V. cholerae do not develop any symptoms, although the bacteria are present in their faeces for 1-10 days after infection and are shed back into the environment, potentially infecting other people.”

WHO said the majority of those infected with cholera show mild or moderate symptoms.

ALSO READ: Three tips to stay motivated about health and fitness in 2023

“A minority develop acute watery diarrhoea with severe dehydration, this can lead to death if left untreated.”

To prevent and control the disease WHO said a multifaceted approach is needed.

It said a combination of surveillance, water, sanitation and hygiene, social mobilisation, treatment, and oral cholera vaccines are used.

Despite the risks of the disease WHO said the disease is easily treatable

“Majority of people can be treated successfully through prompt administration of oral rehydration solution”

Severely dehydrated patients are at risk of shock and therefore require the rapid administration of intravenous fluids.

These patients are also given appropriate antibiotics to diminish the duration of diarrhoea, reduce the volume of rehydration fluids needed, and shorten the amount and duration of V. cholerae excretion in their stool.

“Mass administration of antibiotics is not recommended, as it has no proven effect on the spread of cholera and may contribute to antimicrobial resistance,” said the organisation.

In light of the outbreak, Gauteng Department of Health spokesperson Motalatale Modiba dismissed information circulating on social media stating that it was unsafe to drink tap water.

ALSO READ: Learn how to set boundaries for good mental health

“The information is far from the truth.

“It has no scientific evidence and is not an official communication from the government,” said Modiba.

“As the department, we want to assure the public that tap water remains safe for consumption.”

He urged community members to practice good hand hygiene and not to drink water from contaminated sources, such as rivers, streams, boreholes and dams.

“We advise the public to be extra cautious as one the main ways cholera is transmitted is through contaminated water or when people handle food without proper hand hygiene.”

Modiba encouraged community members to verify all information on the Department of Health’s website so that they do not fall prey to false information.

Also follow us on: