The diarrhoeal disease claimed the lives of seven people between 15 and 19 May 2023 in Hammanskraal, north of Tshwane. According to the Department of Health in Gauteng, 67 people from Kanana, Suurman, Majaneng, and Greenfield in Hammanskraal have presented symptoms of diarrhoea, stomach cramps and vomiting. Seven of them died. 

SYMPTOMS

The Health Department said in a statement that the disease is a leading cause of child mortality and morbidity in the world and mostly spreads by contact with an infected person or through contaminated food and drinking water sources. "Individuals generally become ill within 12 to 48 hours after exposure. Some of the common symptoms include diarrhoea, cramps, nausea, vomiting and low-grade fever" the statement said.

COMMUNITIES URGED TO PRACTISE GOOD HYGIENE

The Department of Health has urged South Africans to take extra precautionary measures and maintain proper hand hygiene following the outbreak of diarrhoea disease and also the rising number of Cholera cases. The department spokesperson Foster Mohale said that there has also been an increase in cholera cases following the detection of four more cases in Gauteng, and seven cases in Vredefort and Parys areas under Free State Province. "Members of the public are urged to avoid known or suspected contaminated food, water and surfaces, and wash hands thoroughly with soap before handling food or after using the bathroom to prevent possible infection," Mohale added. He said provincial and district outbreak response teams were dispatched to Jubilee Hospital and the other affected areas to further investigate the source of the disease and to raise awareness in communities. "Already stool specimens have been collected from some of the affected people, the results will be out soon" he added. Gauteng MEC for Health and Wellness, Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko will today visit Jubilee District Hospital following the outbreak in the area.