Cape Town – Health Minister Joe Phaahla has expressed optimism about the decreasing number of cholera cases in Tshwane, although the source of the waterborne disease remains unknown.
The minister on Wednesday provided an update on the government’s efforts to combat the outbreak, saying that the number of cases in Free State, Ngwathe Municipality has remained stable.
“The numbers are going down drastically and we’re very hopeful that in the next few days [the numbers will go down even further] and happy that there haven’t been new deaths this week and severe illness at this stage,” said Phaahla.
[WATCH] Health Minister Dr Joe Phaahla says there were 7 new cholera cases reported in Tshwane in the last 24 hours, taking the total number of laboratory-confirmed cases to 99.#Newzroom405 pic.twitter.com/PRAKd4Vajj
— Newzroom Afrika (@Newzroom405) May 31, 2023
He added: “While it might be important to locate the source, it’s not always going to be in diseases like these. While it’s desirable, we must also be realistic that it’s not always the case that you’re going to drill down and find the initial cause in any community because of various factors.”
In Tshwane, 99 cases have been confirmed, with seven new cases reported in the last 24 hours, the minister said.
The Minister traced the current outbreak back to two sisters who travelled to Malawi and returned in January.
[WATCH] Health Minister Dr Joe Phaahla says earlier cholera outbreaks in Joburg could be traced back to Malawi, but the source of the recent outbreak in Hammanskraal cannot yet be linked to the years of poor water quality in the area.#Newzroom405 pic.twitter.com/jA7LtzZwvq
— Newzroom Afrika (@Newzroom405) May 31, 2023
Tshwane is currently the epicenter of the outbreak, with the first case reported in Hammanskraal.
The minister highlighted various interventions being implemented, including the establishment of special wards, the deployment of specialists, and educational campaigns in the community.
Water sources are also being examined for possible contamination.
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Compiled by Betha Madhomu
