The Nation Department of Health has confirmed the first death linked to the cholera cases detected in the country. The Minister of Health, Dr Joe Phaahla also announced that the number of laboratory-confirmed cases in South Africa has risen to five.
This follows an announcement of three cases a few weeks ago. The cases were confirmed in two sisters, who had travelled together from Johannesburg to Malawi to attend a funeral. The pair returned by bus on 30 January 2023.
Both patients developed symptoms on their return to Johannesburg. A household family member was also admitted to hospital a few days later with similar symptoms and was confirmed to be the third case.
READ MORE: South Africa records cholera cases
The 4th case is a 28-year-old male from Alexandra Township in Johannesburg with no local or international travel history. The man went to Edenvale Hospital Emergency Centre after experiencing four-days of diarrhoea, vomiting and body weakness.
A specimen was collected for testing and the patient was not admitted to the hospital but managed as an outpatient and given treatment to take home, and requested to return for his results which came back positive.
The 5th case is a 24-year-old male from Emandleni Wattville, Benoni in Ekurhuleni with no travel history. His symptoms include profuse watery diarrhoea. He was admitted to Tambo Memorial Hospital where his results confirmed positive status. The man sadly passed away a few days later.
One of his contacts is still in hospital and further investigation is being conducted.
Symptoms of Cholera
Cholera mainly spreads through contaminated/polluted water. People can become infected directly through drinking contaminated water, or indirectly through eating contaminated food.
Symptoms include diarrhoea dehydration, vomiting and body weakness. Citizens should maintain hand hygiene to prevent possible transmission.
All people who experience cholera-like symptoms, with or without local or international travel history, are encouraged immediately visit their nearest health facility for screening and testing to ensure early detection and successful treatment if test positive.
