Health Dept confirms sixth cholera case in SA

The department says the patient is a 19-year-old female residing in Emandleni informal settlement in Benoni, east of Johannesburg.

"The Outbreak Response Team identified the patient during contact tracing and social mobilization activities where over 1160 people were reached,” says spokesperson Foster Mohale.

“She was one of the two people who exhibited signs and symptoms of cholera who were referred to hospital for testing. Her test results returned positive and she was treated, and she was recovering well.”

Mohale says the health officials will intensify contact tracing and health education in the affected areas.

"Although there is no need for the public to panic, the department is concerned about the rising number of cholera cases, and urges all people who experience cholera symptoms, with or without local or international travel history, to visit their nearest health facility. Cholera is presentable and curable.

“The department is yet to establish a local source of cholera transmission in the country, but people are reminded to practice hand hygiene and avoid drinking or preparing food with untreated water from the rivers or dams.”

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