Mvambi says the MEC for Health, Mathabo Leeto, sent condolences to the family of the deceased and wished them strength and courage during their period of mourning. 

In addition, the cases of cholera have increased by two in the province. The two people from Parys who were admitted to the Parys Hospital for medical attention have been discharged.

ALSO READ: Six confirmed cases of cholera in the Free State

The deceased is a 33-year-old female, she was also admitted at the Parys Hospital. Mvambi explained that the three new cases bring the total number of positive cholera cases to eight. “The total number of cases stands at eight in the province if you add the original six cases that we had in Vredefort and deduct the person that died.”  

The original six in question tested positive over the previous weekend after at least 76 people visited clinics and hospitals with diarrheal infections. “The six people were successfully treated at the Parys Hospital and the Boitumelo Hospital in Kroonstad,” said Mvambi.

ALSO READ: Magalies Water distances itself from cholera outbreak

Cholera has claimed at least 12 lives in Hammanskraal, north of Pretoria. This is after 19 people visited the Jubilee District Hospital, after showing symptoms of diarrhoea, stomach cramps, and nausea. Magalies Water has distanced itself from reports linking it to the outbreak of waterborne disease. 

The spokesperson for Magalies Water, David Magae, said the entity has noted with discontent a deliberate attempt to distort information relating to a waterborne outbreak of a disease which has been reported in the Hammanskraal area, under the jurisdiction of Tshwane Metropolitan Municipality. He has since condemned reports that might deflect attention to the service area of Magalies, without any scientific proof.

The Department of Health continues to encourage all people to adhere to hygiene measures by:

* boiling water and using a disinfectant,

* wash hands regularly with clean treated water,

* cook their food thoroughly with treated water,

* rinse their vegetables and fruits with treated water.

OFM News