The diarrhoea outbreak in Barberton, first reported on Thursday, August 8, continues to spike as authorities work to pinpoint the cause.
The City of Mbombela’s spokesperson, Joseph Ngala, said a JOC meeting was convened this morning. The Department of Co-operative Governance and Traditional Affairs, joined by the City of Mbombela and Ehlanzeni District Municipality, the Department of Water and Sanitation and the Mpumalanga Department of Health, led the meeting to ascertain the cause of these cases. Laboratory results of water samples have not yet been received.
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The water sampling and testing regime has also been increased since Friday, August 9, when reports of an increasing number of cases of illnesses were reported.
“It is important, though, to continue taking all necessary precautions by practicing good personal hygiene as the source of this outbreak remains unknown. It is advisable to boil drinking water before consumption,” said Ngala.
He added that all levels of government would continue working with the municipality and all other authorities to pinpoint the cause and address it. Other sources of this outbreak are also being investigated.
