Limpopo sets up task team as province battles Bilharzia outbreak
The Limpopo provincial government has set up a task team to deal with an outbreak of Bilharzia.
About 150 pupils tested positive for the disease at a primary school in Nkowankowa, outside Tzaneen.
Bilharzia is a waterborne disease caused by parasitic flatworms, which affects the urinary tract and intestines.
The task team includes representatives from the premier's office, departments of Health, Education, Human Settlements, Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, as well as local municipalities.
"The learners from Malwandla Primary School have been diagnosed and are currently receiving treatment with anti-parasitic medication," said provincial Health Department spokesperson Ndavhe Ramakuela
"The rapid spread of this infection has raised serious concerns about health and safety in the affected communities.
"The task team’s mandate is to coordinate efforts to contain the outbreak, provide medical care to affected individuals, and prevent further spread of the disease," he added.
Bilharzia symptoms include abdominal pain, fever and chills, bloody diarrhoea, blood in urine, urine tract infections, persistent headaches, and fatigue.
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