By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
The Department of Health (DOH) has confirmed another case of cholera in the country, increasing the number of cases to six.
The department says the patient is a 19-year-old female residing in Emandleni informal settlement in Benoni, east of Johannesburg.
“The Outbreak Response Team identified the patient during contact tracing and social mobilization activities where over 1160 people were reached,” says spokesperson Foster Mohale.
“She was one of the two people who exhibited signs and symptoms of cholera who were referred to hospital for testing. Her test results returned positive and she was treated, and she was recovering well.”
Mohale says the health officials will intensify contact tracing and health education in the affected areas.
“Although there is no need for the public to panic, the department is concerned about the rising number of cholera cases, and urges all people who experience cholera symptoms, with or without local or international travel history, to visit their nearest health facility. Cholera is presentable and curable.
“The department is yet to establish a local source of cholera transmission in the country, but people are reminded to practice hand hygiene and avoid drinking or preparing food with untreated water from the rivers or dams.”
Cabinet has also encouraged people who experience Cholera-like symptoms, with or without local or international travel history to visit their nearest health facility immediately.
The first three cases were imported or import-related cases following travel to Malawi.
According to the National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD), cases four and five acquired infection locally; they had not travelled, had no links to imported cases or to each other, and do not reside or work in the same area.
Cabinet has urged citizens to be vigilant of any symptoms, which include diarrhoea dehydration, vomiting and body weakness.
“[it is] spread mainly through polluted water or contaminated food, the public is reminded to boil water, cook food thoroughly, and practice basic hygiene of washing hands with soap and water to prevent transmission.