Neelam Rahim | neelam@radioislam.co.za

2-minute read
27 May 2023 | 13:36 CAT

Image: Daily Maverick

Seventeen people have now died following the cholera outbreak in the Hammanskraal area. At least 165 people are being treated, mainly at the Jubilee District Hospital, of whom 18 were transferred to other health facilities in Tshwane.

The number of laboratory-confirmed cholera cases is now 29.

“The department continues to urge people to ensure proper hand hygiene, which includes thorough washing of hands with water and soap or alcohol-based sanitiser before handling food and after using the toilet,” says Department spokesperson Motalatale Modiba.

Around the October-December 2022 quarter, there was a surge in cases within the African region. With the indication that there was a threat of an outbreak of cholera, the Gauteng provincial Department had worked on a plan that would strengthen the effort towards collaboration, preparedness and responsiveness, said Dr Tabea Manyane, from Public Health Medicine at the Gauteng Department of Health.

“We were prepared for any eventualities. Responses were strengthened when the first case was detected in Gauteng in terms of response to the outbreak and ensured that all districts were ready,” she says.

Meanwhile, patients detected with cholera have presented themselves to health facilities. Dr Manyane said house visits and interviewing cases are currently underway in search of more cholera cases.

“The interventions that have been put in place to curb and reduce further transmissions, we are sure to say the daily interventions will control the outbreak and further reduce transmissions,” she says.

Listen to the full interview on Sabahul Muslim with host Moulana Sulaimaan Ravat.