Tshwane remains on high alert for cholera outbreak despite no cases being reported
Residents are advised to take precautions and practise good hygiene, says Health MMC Rina Marx.
Tshwane municipality says its health officials are on high alert to deal with the possibility of any cholera outbreak in the city.
The metro’s extra precautions are due to a cholera outbreak last year in Hammanskraal that claimed the lives of more than 23 people.
MMC for Health Rina Marx said officials would remain on high alert as they anticipate residents are making their way back from their respective holidays.
“The Tshwane Health Department is on high alert to manage a possible cholera outbreak.
“The department’s efforts remain focused on preventative measures and good hand hygiene is important to prevent the spread of cholera,” Marx added.
She urged residents to be vigilant about any signs of ill health, adding that should residents feel unwell, they should immediately visit their nearest healthcare facilities.
Marx said the metro had put in place preventative measures, including health education, which she said were already implemented before the festive period and which would continue.
“To date, no cases have been reported, however, outbreak response teams inclusive of municipal health teams and community workers are ready to respond if the need arises.
“Remember to wash your hands with soap and water all the time and drink lots of safe water to prevent dehydration.”
Cholera is contracted through water or food contaminated with the cholera bacteria (vibrio cholera) and early treatment is critical.
The municipality said residents should visit the nearest healthcare facilities if they experience symptoms such as watery diarrhoea, rice water-like appearance of stools, nausea, vomiting, and muscle cramps.
According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), recent cholera outbreaks have been the highest on record, which in turn caused vaccine shortages.
The organisation said the disease threatened the health of millions and overwhelmed fragile health systems.
“Cholera is an extremely virulent disease, spread through dirty water that can cause severe diarrhoea which often proves fatal in children.
“Flooding caused by climate change and displacement due to war have contributed to the surge in case numbers,” it said.
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