Third cholera case confirmed in Gauteng

The case was reported on Tuesday.

“The latest case is that of the husband of the first confirmed patient. He presented with symptoms at a health facility and was immediately admitted on Saturday, 04 February for further tests to be conducted. The patient is in stable condition,” says the department’s spokesperson Motaletale Modiba.

This comes after two sisters, who had travelled to Johannesburg from Malawi after attending a funeral in that country, tested positive for cholera last Wednesday and Friday.

Malawi reported a cholera outbreak towards the end of last year, with more than 30,000 people infected since the first case was reported. The death toll from the outbreak stands at more than 1 000.

Health officials have urged members of the public who present with symptoms such as mild to severe diarrhoea and signs of dehydration to visit the nearest health facilities.

Cholera mainly spreads through contaminated or polluted water, and outbreaks often occur in areas with poor sanitation and limited access to safe drinking water.

“We urge the public to practice proper hand hygiene which includes thorough washing of hands with water and soap before and after using the bathroom and also when preparing or eating food,” Modiba added.

While the infection is often mild or without symptoms, it can sometimes be life-threatening and can affect people of all ages.

The department has activated outbreak response teams and surveillance efforts have been increased. It is also working closely with the National Institute for Communicable Diseases, World Health Organisation and the National Department of Health to monitor Cholera cases.