By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
The Limpopo Department of Health has confirmed that two new cases of cholera have been recorded in the province on two Zimbabwean patients who recently arrived in South Africa.
The confirmation comes after two men, aged 43 and 27, were admitted to Musina and Hellen Franz hospitals, respectively, with cholera-like symptoms.
Provincial health spokesperson in Limpopo, Thilivhali Muavha says the two patients are Zimbabwean nationals who had just returned from the festive holidays.
“Upon becoming aware of the suspected cases, immediate measures were taken to ensure the patients’ admission and treatment in accordance with established protocols.
“Our medical teams are closely monitoring their condition and providing the necessary medical care to facilitate their recovery,” says Muavha.
Members of the public who have cholera-like symptoms are advised to present to the nearest hospital as soon as possible.
The most common symptoms of cholera include severe diarrhoea, vomiting, and dehydration.
“We wish to call upon the community members to remain calm and vigilant. We also want to request them to continue with safe hygiene practices such as washing hands, consuming clean drinking water and eating properly cooked food at all material times,” adds Muavha.
Regular updates will be provided as new information becomes available,” he said.
Deputy Minister of Health, Dr Sibongiseni Dhlomo, has urged citizens to be vigilant and maintain personal hygiene.
Dhlomo appealed to all those with a travel history to cholera outbreak areas to do the same to save lives and prevent further transmission to other people.
“We say to all travellers along N1 from Musina and other parts of the country, please avoid using known or suspected contaminated surfaces, especially in public places and wash hands thoroughly with soap before handling food or after using the bathroom to prevent possible infection,” said Dhlomo.
All people who experience cholera-like symptoms, with or without travel history to cholera endemic countries and areas, are also encouraged to present themselves to the nearest health facilities without delay.
The symptoms to look out for include stomach cramps, diarrhoea, dehydration and vomiting.
He has advised people to never drink water from unsafe sources such as rivers, dams or streams unless boiled or disinfected first.
Neighbouring Zimbabwe is currently battling a cholera outbreak, with the country’s Health and Child Care ministry updating over the weekend that more that more than 17,700 suspected cases had been recorded, and 318 suspected cholera deaths.