Gauteng MEC for Health Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko says 20 people have succumbed to cholera since last week in Hammanskraal, north of Tshwane. Ralehoko announced this during her budget vote speech at the Gauteng legislature today. She gave an update on the recent cholera outbreak saying that the department has been grappling with a significant health crisis in Hammanskraal.

A DEADLY THREAT 

She emphasised that they are dealing with a major threat in the public health system and have to be prepared for it. "The number of patients that have been seen at the Jubilee District Hospital as of the 24th of May is sitting at 179 and this includes 18 patients that have been transferred to two neighbouring hospitals," she said. She added that the number of confirmed cholera cases is sitting at 29 and 20 people have since died due to the outbreak.

CONDOLENCES

She said,'' The Gauteng provincial government extends their deepest condolences to the families that have lost their loved ones as a result of the diarrhoeal outbreak. It is truly a difficult and painful time for many families. Losing someone to a preventable disease like Cholera is heartbreaking and our thoughts are with the affected communities," Nkomo-Ralehoko said. She urged the communities to heed the call by the health department to take necessary precautions until the city is confident that the water is consumable. 

FOLLOW THE RULES

She said they have upscaled their public health education by increasing awareness about prevention, hygiene,and early detection. "People need to ensure proper hand hygiene, treating or sterilising water before drinking or cooking with and always disinfecting surfaces. We continue to closely monitor the situation and provide the necessary support to the multi-disciplinary teams working on the ground."