By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
The Department of Health has called on the public to take extra precautionary measures and maintain proper hand hygiene as the country experiences an outbreak of Diarrhoeal disease and a rising number of laboratory-confirmed cases of cholera.
In a statement on Saturday, the department said six patients died after presenting with gastrointestinal symptoms in Hammanskraal, north of Pretoria.
This has led to more than 50 people receiving medical care at Jubilee Hospital.
“Diarrhoeal disease is a common and often highly infectious condition that affects the stomach and intestines. It is a leading cause of child mortality and morbidity in the world and mostly spreads by contact with an infected person or through contaminated food and drinking water sources,” the department said.
According to health department spokesperson, Foster Mohale, people generally become ill 12 to 48 hours after exposure.
“Some common symptoms include diarrhoea, cramps, nausea, vomiting and low-grade fever.”
Meanwhile, Mohale said the number of Cholera cases has also increased.
“The department can also confirm that the cumulative number of positive cholera cases has increased to 22, following the detection of four more cases in Gauteng, and seven cases in Vredefort and Parys areas under Free State Province.”
“Members of the public are urged to avoid known or suspected contaminated food, water and surfaces, and wash hands thoroughly with soap before handling food or after using the bathroom to prevent possible infection,” Mohale added.
Mohale said the provincial and district outbreak response teams in both provinces have been dispatched to the affected communities.