POLOKWANE – The risk of a cholera outbreak in migrant hotspots such as the city are high at this stage, as a result of such cases having been reported in Zimbabwe, Mozambique, and Zambia recently, the Health Department has stated.
Based on recent statistics, South Africa’s (SA) Border Management Authority said it expected 600 000 outgoing and incoming registered migrants at the Beitbridge Border Post (BBP), many coming from the affected countries. These numbers may rise significantly in the post-Covid era, it was stated. On Sunday, 25 000 people were processed at the Beitbridge post, the authority confirmed.
National Health statistics found that the acute diarrheal illness, caused by infection of the intestine with Vibrio cholerae bacteria as described by World Health Organization, saw 1 073 people suffer symptoms between February 1 and July 4 last year across the country, of which an unconfirmed number was that of foreign nationals.
The disease infects through contaminated food or water, can be mild or without symptoms, but can sometimes be severe and life-threatening, the Centre for Disease Control and Prevention stated. It also said one in ten people with cholera will experience severe symptoms
While those who come to the city in search of greener pastures legally may seek medical attention earlier, local healthcare professionals say the concern is of undocumented foreigners who would delay seeking healthcare due to deportation fears.
Last month, Home Affairs Deputy Minister Njabulo Nzuza led immigration officers in the arrest of undocumented foreign nationals in parts of the country, subsequent to the recently ramped border control measures led by President Cyril Ramaphosa at the notoriously porous BBP.
The provision for clean drinking water, sanitation facilities and regular water testing are being prioritised by water authorities as preventative measures, health provincial spokesperson, Neil Shikwambana mentioned. For awareness, the department said testing campaigns in some local establishments and healthcare facilities are also being prioritised for detection and prevention.
MEC, Dr Phophi Ramathuba encourages the practice of basic hygiene for prevention like regular handwashing with soap and water, drinking safe water and thoroughly washing fruit and vegetables before consumption.
