A concerning diarrhoea outbreak has swept through the community of Barberton in Mpumalanga, leaving a trail of sickness, runny stomachs, fear, and uncertainty among residents.
With a growing number of individuals reporting symptoms and seeking medical attention, questions surrounding the source, spread, and severity of the outbreak continue to rise.
“I’m not sure of the exact cause of the diarrhoea outbreak, but I believe it is caused by tap water,” says Siphesihle Nyamane from Barberton Mpumalanga.
“I got very sick while I was at work. The very same day, my son was vomiting and had terrible diarrhoea.”
Siphesihle Nyamane
“He’s been absent from school since they sent him home, and I had to take him to the doctor for a proper diagnosis and treatment. He’s been feeling weak for almost a week now and complains about headaches quite frequently. I’m very worried since there are kids who’ve already lost their lives due to this outbreak.”
Nyamane says the outbreak has sparked concern, particularly among those who rely solely on tap water for their daily needs and due to financial constraints.
“It could be the end of us. The majority of the community members cannot afford to buy purified water. The only option is to use tap water. The lower-class people will still die from this outbreak because they can never afford to consume purchased water, yet they must consume water daily.”
Scared to drink tap water
To protect themselves, Nyamane says her family has chosen to not drink tap water anymore. “It’s very difficult, however, because there’s no water in the local shops, meaning we have to go to town for healthy water. You can imagine the pressure on those who cannot afford such.”
Also residing in Barberton, Christian Cumbe shares his troubling experience amidst the ongoing diarrhoea crisis affecting the community. According to him, there have been rumours circulating among residents that a chemical in the tap water is causing widespread illness.
“Residents have heard that the water had a chemical in it, causing them to get sick. I also started having a terrible stomach ache, and I’ve been going to the toilet frequently. Everyone I come across is complaining about the same stomach ache and diarrhoea.”
“I ended up drinking a lot of store-bought water, and it is now getting better.”
The spokesperson for the Mpumalanga department of health, Dumisani Malamule, states that the department had not received direct complaints about water quality from the community. However, an increase in diarrheal cases was observed in Barberton between August 2 and August 14, 2024. Diarrhoea is usually characterised by frequent, loose, and watery bowel movements.
ALSO READ: Here’s how to make tap water safe for drinking
Outbreak affects young and old
“As of 14 August 2024, the department has recorded a cumulative total of 558 suspected diarrheal cases. Fifty-one (51) of 558 are new cases. These cases were seen and recorded at Barberton Hospital, RH Phodi private hospital, and primary health care facilities between 02-14 August 2024,” explains Malamule.
“A cumulative total of 88 cases were hospitalised both in Barberton Hospital and RH PhodiPrivate Hospital. Sixteen (16) cases remain hospitalised in both hospitals. The age range of the suspected cases is between 9 months and 70 years old.”
Reflecting on the history of diarrhoea outbreaks in the region, Malamule notes, “In the last five years, we had a diarrhoea outbreak at Thekwane, City of Mbombela Municipality, which recorded 3,584 cases between July and August 2018. More recently, we experienced another outbreak at Nhlazantshe, Chief Albert Luthuli Municipality, with 531 cases between December 2022 and February 2023.”
Malamule also notes that diarrhoea affects people across all areas and income groups, but its impact is not evenly distributed. He adds that young children, the elderly, and immunocompromised individuals are particularly vulnerable.
“Young children, especially those under five, are particularly vulnerable to diarrhoea due to their developing immune systems and higher likelihood of exposure to contaminated food and water.”
Dumisani Malamule
“Older adults and those with weakened immune systems are also at higher risk of severe outcomes from diarrhoea, though they may be less frequently affected than young children.”
In response to concerns about the safety of children, especially those under five, during diarrhoea outbreaks, Malamule outlines an approach being implemented to protect vulnerable populations both at home and in Early Childhood Development (ECD) centres.
Protect yourself and loved ones
He advises the following safety measures:
- Safe water and sanitation
- Proper hygiene practices
- Nutrition and breastfeeding
- Oral rehydration therapy (ort) and zinc supplements
- Vaccination
- Health education
“These strategies work together to create a safe and healthy environment for children, both at home and in ECD centres, thereby reducing the risk of diarrhoea and its potentially fatal consequences.”
ALSO READ: Tummy trouble? Try these home remedies
Get the Health For Mzansi newsletter: Your bi-weekly dose of kasi health, wellness and self-care inspiration.
