Six dead after outbreak of Diarrhoeal disease in Gauteng

At least six people have died following an outbreak of Diarrhoeal disease or gastrointestinal infection in the country.

Diarrhoeal disease is a common and often highly infectious condition that affects the stomach and intestines.

The Department of Health has urged South Africans to take extra precautionary measures and maintain proper hand-hygiene following the outbreak of Diarrhoeal disease and also the rising number of Cholera cases.

Diarrhoeal disease

Health department spokesperson Foster Mohale said they were informed of cases of people presenting with gastrointestinal symptoms in Hammanskraal, north of Pretoria in the past few days.

“This has led to over 50 people receiving medical care at Jubilee Hospital. Unfortunately, six patients have lost their lives.  

“It is a leading cause of child mortality and morbidity in the world, and mostly spreads by contact with an infected person or through contaminated food and drinking water sources,” Mohale said.

Individuals generally become ill 12 – 48 hours after exposure. Some of the common symptoms include diarrhoea, cramps, nausea, vomiting and low-grade fever.

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Cholera

Meanwhile, Mohale said the number of Cholera cases has also increased.

“The department can also confirm that the cumulative number of positive cholera cases has increased to 22, following the detection of four more cases in Gauteng, and seven cases in Vredefort and Parys areas under Free State Province.”

“Members of the public are urged to avoid known or suspected contaminated food, water and surfaces, and wash hands thoroughly with soap before handling food or after using the bathroom to prevent possible infection,” Mohale added.

Outbreak response

Mohale said the provincial and district outbreak response teams in both provinces have been dispatched to the affected communities.

“This is to further investigate the source of the outbreaks, and intensify hygiene, health education and promotion to empower the community members with health information. The department will keep the country informed of the developments and findings of the investigations,” he said.

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