Ekurhuleni warns public about cholera outbreak in Gauteng

The City of Ekurhuleni urges residents to take extra precautions and maintain appropriate hand hygiene as the country experiences an outbreak of diarrhoeal disease and a rising number of confirmed cases of cholera.

This was brought on by the outbreak in nearby Hammanskraal, which has left 12 people dead and more than 50 people in need of medical attention at Jubilee Hospital.

Although there may be cases in the City of Ekurhuleni, none have been documented.

According to the spokesperson of the City of Ekurhuleni, Zweli Dlamini, the cholera outbreak response teams are on high alert to respond to any cases that are discovered and to step up health promotion and education to strengthen communities.

“It is also important for our people to note that our water remains clean and safe to use,” Zweli affirmed.

With the discovery of four more cases in Gauteng and seven cases in the Vredefort and Parys districts of the Free State Province, the total number of confirmed positive cholera cases has now reached 22, according to the national health department.

The country will be kept updated about the cholera outbreak.

Diarrhoeal disease is a common and often highly infectious condition that affects the stomach and intestines. It is one of the main causes of illness and mortality in children around the world, and it is primarily spread through contact with infected people as well as contaminated food and water supplies.

[ON AIR] eNCA reporter Pule Letshwiti-Jones is in Hammanskraal, where angry residents chased Tshwane mayor Cilliers Brink away. At least 12 people have died following a cholera outbreak. #DStv403 #eNCA pic.twitter.com/u6nlL3M1wo

— eNCA (@eNCA) May 22, 2023

Common cholera symptoms

• Watery diarrhoea

• Nausea

• Vomiting

• Dehydration

• Low-grade fever

[WARNING STRONG LANGUAGE]

Angry #Hammanskraal residents ambush two cars transporting Tshwane Mayor Cilliers Brink at the Jubilee District Hospital where a #CholeraOutbreak has been reported. They accuse the Tshwane municipality of ignoring their concerns the state of water here pic.twitter.com/8A96yjxKkI

— Jacaranda News (@JacaNews) May 22, 2023

Severe cholera symptoms

• Low blood pressure

• Rapid heart rate

• Cramps

• Persistent vomiting

[WATCH] In their own words, residents of Hammanskraal explain why they chased away the Tshwane Executive Mayor, Cilliers Brink.

Community members say they are angry that it took the deaths of 12 people for the government to act on the Hammanskraal water crisis. TCG pic.twitter.com/4j8P5REbAe

— EWN Reporter (@ewnreporter) May 22, 2023

Tips to prevent cholera

• Avoid known or suspected contaminated food, water and surfaces.

• Wash your hands thoroughly with soap before handling food or after using the bathroom.

• Never drink water from unsafe sources such as rivers, dams and streams.

• Only make use of boiled or disinfected water, or when affordable, make use of bottled water for drinking, cooking and even brushing teeth.

• Avoid raw foods such as uncooked fish or seafood, and only eat fruits or vegetables that have been properly washed in pure, boiled water.