Health Department confirms sixth cholera case

The Department of Health has recorded one more laboratory-confirmed case of cholera, increasing the number of cases to six.

According to the spokesperson for the Department of Health, Foster Mohale, the patient is a 19-year-old female residing in Emandleni informal settlement in Benoni.

“The patient was identified by the outbreak response team during contact tracing and social mobilisation activities where over 1160 people were reached. She was one of the two people who exhibited signs and symptoms of cholera and was referred to the hospital for testing.

“Her test results came back positive and she was administered treatment. She is recovering well,” said Mohale.

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

Mohale said although there is no need for the public to panic, the department is concerned about the rising number of cholera cases.

Those who experience cholera symptoms, even though they did not travel, are urged 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.

The latest case comes after the death of a 24-year-old man from Emandleni in Wattville who has been recorded as the first confirmed cholera patient to die of the disease in the country.

The patient’s mother, according to the National Department of Health, died before her son but whether this was due to cholera remains unconfirmed.

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