The province has yet to record a case following these outbreaks, however, as more and more migrant workers return to the country after the festive season, the risk of imported cases is high. “Limpopo borders Mozambique in the east, Zimbabwe in the north, and also hosts the Beitbridge border post, which is one of the busiest borders in the country.

Hence the department cannot stay complacent,” said MEC Dr Phophi Ramathuba. She said that the department is strengthening its outbreak response work using surveillance and also conducting health promotions working with local stakeholders across the province.

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“The multisectoral outbreak response work includes engaging with relevant entities such as water service authorities and sector departments to ensure provision of clean water, and sanitation as we as conducting regular water testing as a preventative measure,” she added. In addition, the department has instructed healthcare facilities to highly prioritise the issue of testing on all potential suspected cases.

“With all the rains we have been recently blessed with and appreciating that diseases do not know any borders, we call upon all our communities to remain vigilant, by practicing basic hygiene, hand washing, drinking safe water and thoroughly wash fruits and vegetables before consumption,” said Ramathuba.