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Health For Mzansi

Cholera: ‘No need to panic’ as Gauteng records third case

Good hygiene remains absolutely crucial in the prevention of cholera which causes watery diarrhoea and dehydration. And although Gauteng has confirmed case No 3, the chances of an outbreak remain low, says the province's health department

by Faith Mutizira
14th February 2023
in Trending
Reading Time: 3 mins read
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Cholera: 'No need to panic' as Gauteng records third case

Third case of cholera confirmed. Photo: Supplied/Health For Mzansi

The Gauteng Department of Health confirmed a third case of cholera on Wednesday, but authorities say the risk of an outbreak remains low. The husband of one of the first two confirmed patients tested positive.

Gauteng health department spokesperson Motalatale Modiba. Photo: LinkedIn

The department says the man displayed symptoms on Saturday and was admitted to hospital. “The patient is in a stable condition. This follows two other cases reported on the 1st and 3rd of February in Johannesburg. The department wishes to reiterate the advice for people to visit their nearest health facilities when they present with mild to severe and watery diarrhoea and dehydration symptoms,” the statement read.

The first two cases were two sisters who travelled to Malawi to attend a funeral in January. They returned to Johannesburg by bus. 

‘No need to panic’

Gauteng health department spokesperson, Motalatale Modiba, says the risk of an outbreak is low but reiterates the need for good hygiene. 

“The risk is higher for people who share a communal space rather than people on a bus together because when you live in the same household, you are likely to use the same utensils, bathroom and so forth. This is why it is important to prepare food properly and purify water. There is no need for the public to panic”, he says.

In a media statement on Sunday, Health Minister Dr Joe Phaahla said cholera is not endemic to SA. The last outbreak began in 2008 and resulted in about 12 000 cases. 

“That resulted from an outbreak in Zimbabwe which led to a surge of imported cases and subsequent local transmission in Mpumalanga and Limpopo provinces through contaminated water”, the statement read.

Contacts being monitored

On Monday, the Gauteng Health Department reported their outbreak response teams visited the homes of the two identified cases and those of the 18 contacts. Authorities will monitor the contacts for five days as part of the standard protocol.

The Gauteng Department of Health confirmed a third case of cholera on Wednesday, but authorities say the risk of an outbreak remains low. Photo: Supplied/Health For Mzansi

Cholera typically causes acute watery diarrhoea and can affect people of all ages. It mainly spreads through contaminated or polluted water. People can become infected directly through drinking contaminated water or indirectly through eating contaminated food. 

The infection is often mild or without symptoms but can sometimes be severe and life-threatening. An outbreak usually occurs in settings with inadequate sanitation and insufficient access to safe drinking water.

“The department works closely with the National Institute for Communicable Diseases, World Health Organisation and National Department of Health to monitor the cases.” – Health-e News

This article was written by Faith Mutizira and first published by Health-e News.

ALSO READ: How to introduce your baby to healthy solid foods

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Tags: choleraGautengGauteng department of healthHygienesymptoms
Faith Mutizira

Faith Mutizira

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HIV and initiation: Supporting boys through cultural rites Security fails as gangs target Eastern Cape clinics Dr Makanya blends spiritual healing with art therapy Canola oil: A heart-healthy choice for your kitchen No more pain! Tackle the torment of toothaches How smoking causes harmful bacteria in your mouth Discover delicious, healthy dishes that will make your heart sing Rediscover the joy of creamy pap with chicken livers