Concerns over ‘outbreak’ of illness

VARIOUS  calls and emails have been received by the Herald from residents of Uvongo and surrounding areas as well as from holidaymakers about the possible contamination of the Uvongo and Margate lagoons.

Although a number of people have complained of severe diarrhoea and vomiting after having had contact with the water in these lagoons, authorities cannot at this stage confirm that this water is the  source of the ailments.

Speaking to the Herald, Rob Ferreira of Netcare Margate Hospital, said that an ‘excessive number’ of patients had visited the hospital, suffering from diarrhoea and vomiting, but the hospital was unable to pinpoint the cause of the problem.

“It’s difficult to say what it is because we have seen patients from as far as Trafalgar with the same problem”.

Mr Ferreira added that, at this time of the year, a bug normally does the rounds, but the source cannot be easily ascertained. He referred the Herald to Ugu District Municipality environmental health services, saying that the hospital  had been in constant contact with the department which was dealing with the matter.

Last week, Ugu spokesman, France Zama, said the municipality’s health department staff had been tasked to investigate and a ‘conclusive report’ would be made available on the findings.

Mr Zama told the Herald that an update would be issued today (Thursday).

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