Cholera outbreak: Gauteng death toll rises to 20

The number of people who have died of Cholera in Hammanskraal, outside Tshwane, has risen to 20.

The Free State also reported that one person died after being diagnosed with cholera.

The Cholera outbreak started in Hammanskraal last week after some residents were admitted to the Jubilee Hospital with symptoms of a gastrointestinal infection.

The Gauteng Cholera deaths was confirmed by MEC For Health Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko on Thursday when delivering her budget vote speech at the Gauteng Provincial Legislature.

Ralehoko said the province has been grappling with a significant health crisis in the form of the Cholera outbreak in Hammanskraal.

“This challenge has not just underscored our collective fragility, but it has also emphasised the perpetual threats that our public health system faces every single day. Therefore, our vigilance, preparedness, and response must be as relentless as the threats we face.”

Cholera patients and deaths

She said the number of patients that have been seen at the Jubilee District Hospital in Gauteng as of 24 May 2023 is sitting at 179.

“This number includes 18 patients who have been transferred to Dr George Mukhari Academic Hospital and Steve Biko Academic Hospital in Tshwane. The number of laboratory-confirmed cases of Cholera is standing at 29. To date, 20 people have passed on from the disease outbreak.

“The total number of patients admitted due to gastrointestinal infection was 78,” Ralehoko said.

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Precautions  

Ralehoko urged residents to take precautions.

“By increasing awareness about prevention, hygiene, and early detection, we can empower our communities to become frontline defenders against health threats.

“We therefore plead with communities to heed the public health messages and to follow the golden rules; to ensure proper hand hygiene, treating or sterilising water before drinking or cooking, ensuring that food is cooked well and is kept covered and always disinfecting and cleaning surfaces,” she said.

Ralehoko said the department is monitoring the situation to provide the necessary support to the multidisciplinary teams working on the ground.

Joburg Water

Meanwhile, following the outbreak of cholera in Hammanskraal, Johannesburg Water has confirmed that the City of Johannesburg’s drinking water is safe for consumption.

Joburg Water said it was taking precautionary measures amid cholera cases.

“One of the key mandates of Johannesburg Water is the provision of clean and safe drinking water and the entity can confirm that the water in the city meets the high-quality requirements of the drinking water quality standard (SANS241-2015 Drinking Water Quality),” it said.

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