Amnesty International says officials must put an urgent stop to the spread of the cholera outbreak. This after at least 15 people have died. The source of the outbreak has yet to be confirmed, with authorities racing against the clock to determine the source.

The NGO’s Mienke Mari Steytler says it’s appalling that people are dying from this bacterial disease in 2023.

“People are dying of a preventable and easily treatable disease. This is deeply troubling and unacceptable. Cholera is caused by the intake of contaminated food or water – food and water that should be safe to eat and drink, not contaminated with potentially deadly bacteria,” says Steytler.

DEATHS ACROSS THE GLOBE

The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that globally 3-5 million cases and 100 000-120 000 deaths occur annually.

According to the Department of Health, the total number of cases is 51 (as of 22 May).

THE SPECIFICS ARE AS FOLLOWS:

• 1 – Limpopo with a travel history
• 6 – Vredefort in the Free State
• 44 – In Gauteng (29 Hammanskraal cases + 15 previous provincial cases)

To date, 107 people were seen at hospital. The 15 deaths includes 2 children and 13 adults. 46 people were admitted at Jubilee District Hospital, while 18 of them were transferred to Dr George Mukhari and Steve Biko Academic Hospitals.

Additionally, Amnesty International’s Steytler says the provision of safe water, and sanitation is critical in preventing, and also controlling the transmission of the disease.

“Despite the Gauteng Health Department’s warning to residents not to drink the tap water, and confirmation that further samples are being tested, now is the time for the Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) to work with municipalities, such as the City of Tshwane and across the country, to act in the short- and long-term, and invest in and manage South Africa’s basic water and sanitation infrastructure. The current outbreak must be brought under control immediately, and the spread of, and possible future outbreaks, must be prevented,” adds Steytler.

READ MORE: Deadly cholera outbreak in Hammanskraal