By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
The death toll from the cholera outbreak has risen to 22,after one more death has been reported at the epicentre of Hammanskraal, while another death has been confirmed in Free State.
In a statement the department of health said, “21 of the deaths have been recorded in Gauteng, while there is one death in the Free State.
Acting Health Minister Aaron Motsoaledi, officials from the World Health Organization (WHO), National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD) are expected to visit the Jubilee hospital on Thursday evening.
Health spokesperson Foster Mohale says the impromptu visit is aimed at containing the spread of the waterborne disease.
“This urgent visit will enable the political principals to monitor the effectiveness of the current government’s interventions to curb the spread of Cholera disease and save lives, in order to consider further interventions.
“The delegation will be accompanied by the experts from the and senior officials from both National and Provincial Health Departments.”
Hammanskraal was thrust into the spotlight over the weekend when seven people died after being admitted at Jubilee district hospital with diarrhoea, stomach cramps and vomiting.
Three trainees at the SAPS training academy in Hammanskraal, have tested positive for cholera, with one hospitalised and the rest treated for minor symptoms.
Police confirmed 71 trainees were tested last Thursday for cholera by the department of health.
“Academy personnel are monitoring the situation closely for any other infections,” said police spokesperson Mathapelo Peters.
National police commissioner Gen Fannie Masemola has directed SAPS management to put extra measures in place to protect trainees at the academy against the outbreak.
“We are treating what is happening in this area as very serious and this visit demonstrates our commitment to look after the wellbeing of all our members, including trainees,” said Masemola.