Three-Year-Old Among South Africans Who Have Died From Recent Cholera Outbreak

A three-year-old is among the 10 people who have died in Hammanskraal, north of Pretoria of South Africa, after being admitted to the hospital with diarrhoea, stomach cramps and vomiting.

MEC for health and wellness in Gauteng A cholera outbreak in Hammanskraal was confirmed by Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko on Sunday.

Nkomo-Ralehoko claimed that this was supported by laboratory tests on stool samples from 19 persons who had visited Jubilee District Hospital complaining of diarrhoea, nausea, and stomach cramps.

She claimed that since Monday, the hospital has seen 95 patients with such symptoms from the communities of Kanana, Suurman, Majaneng, Green Field, Carousel View, Lephengville, and Sekampaneng.

“Currently, there are 37 people admitted at the hospital with cholera symptoms and unfortunately, 10 people have demised.

"The 10 people that died include a three-year-old and nine adults,” she said.

Nkomo-Ralehoko said the department had made two additional wards available during her visit to the hospital on Sunday afternoon to accommodate patients who couldn't be admitted right away.

“We have also mobilised additional resources which include medical and nursing staff from surrounding hospitals and local clinics to improve capacity for the growing need for medical care.

"Furthermore, additional linen has been delivered from the provincial laundry to activate the extra beds,” she said.

The provincial, district and municipality outbreak response teams continue to do advocacy work to raise awareness among communities. 

The teams have engaged with churches, local training institutions and various media platforms, as well as “loud-hailing in the affected areas”.

Nkomo-Ralehoko has urged the public to take extra precautionary measures and maintain proper hand hygiene.

“We would like to reiterate and urge the public 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.

“It is also important that people never drink water from unsafe sources such as rivers, dams, or streams unless boiled or disinfected,” she said.

She added that to increase its capacity to assist the municipality with water infrastructure and related challenges, the department has also collaborated with the national departments of water and sanitation and human settlements.

“We have already received two additional nurses last night and four are part of the shift now. 

"These are from the Tshwane district hospital and the local clinics around the area.

"The city will mobilise additional resources in the form of social workers to activate counselling and social relief for the affected families, she said.

To receive treatment, Nkomo-Ralehoko has recommended that people go to the nearest medical facility if they encounter symptoms including diarrhoea, nausea, vomiting, stomach cramps, and dehydration.

The City of Tshwane has advised residents in Hammanskraal not to consume tap water in the meantime.