By Karabo Rammutla
Authorities have dispatched a mobile clinic to Diepsloot, Soweto, in Johannesburg where 12 people who have been in contact with cholera patients are being monitored.
So far, a 24-year-old male from Benoni has died of cholera, making this the first cholera death in Mzansi in over a decade.
Health Minister Joe Phaahla said the deceased had no travel history.
“One of his contacts is still in hospital and further investigation is being conducted,” he said.
“His body will be transported to KwaZulu-Natal for burial, and health officials will advise the bereaved family and undertakers of safe burial precautions to prevent the spread of the disease.”
He said the outbreak response team conducted a case investigation and visited the patient’s residence and workplace.
Two Diepsloot sisters had been diagnosed with the disease after attending a funeral in Malawi where the disease is rife.
The husband of one of the sisters also contracted the disease.
The minister cautioned the public to maintain hand hygiene to prevent possible transmission.
“People can become infected directly through drinking contaminated water, or indirectly through eating contaminated food. Symptoms include diarrhoea, dehydration, vomiting and body weakness,” he said.
“All people who experience cholera-like symptoms, with or without local or international travel history, are encouraged to immediately visit their nearest health facility for screening and testing to ensure early detection and successful treatment,” he said.
Pictured above: Health Minister Joe Phaahla has urged South Africans to practice hand hygiene to avoid cholera transmission
Picture source: @GovernmentZA
