South Africans urged to be vigilant as 'chances of cholera outbreaks high'
Health officials are calling for extra vigilance after South Africa recorded its first cholera death in over a decade.
The department's spokesperson Foster Mohale is urging communities to be careful as heavy rains continue to lash parts of the country.
"Cholera spreads through contaminated water and food. Normally during heavy floods, the chances of cholera outbreaks are high and transmissions are high.
"So, we want to encourage people to try and be as vigilant as possible and try to look after themselves. Don't drink any flood water because we don't know how contaminated the water is."
READ: First confirmed cholera death in South Africa
A KwaZulu-Natal-born man died after contracting the bacterial disease in Benoni, east of Johannesburg.
The 24-year-old was living in Wattville and had no history of foreign travel.
Mohale says his family is bringing his body back to KZN.
"One of the person who was in close contact with the person who has died he is currently in hospital."
