Ekurhuleni remains on high alert to respond to any case of cholera
The public is advised to never drink water from unsafe sources.
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.
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.”
Members of the public are 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.
