Cape Town – The Department of Health says the death toll from a cholera outbreak in Hammanskraal, north of Pretoria, has risen to 20.
As of May 24, 2023, 179 patients have been treated at the Jubilee District Hospital, with 18 of them being transferred to other hospitals, the department said.
There have been 29 laboratory-confirmed cases of cholera and 78 admissions due to gastrointestinal infection.
Efforts are underway to test all potential sources of contamination, including water sources, tankers delivering water, taps, and the Rooiwal wastewater treatment plant.
No evidence of cholera bacteria has been found in these sources so far, suggesting the possibility of a one-time contamination event.
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“To date, no evidence of cholera bacteria has been found in these sources, giving confidence to the likelihood that the cholera outbreak could be from a once-off contamination event, with the current cases being a result of secondary and tertiary contamination,” said the department.
Water and Sanitation Minister, Senzo Mchunu, is scheduled to meet with the City of Tshwane Mayor to plan the refurbishment of the wastewater treatment plant. Gauteng and the Free State have been the most affected regions in South Africa.
The first cholera death in the country was reported in February, originating from Malawi.
Health officials are advising healthcare workers to treat all cases of diarrhea as suspected cholera until proven otherwise, as cholera is characterized by acute watery diarrhea lasting less than seven days.
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Compiled by Betha Madhomu
