South Africa
Concerns over increase in cholera cases in South Africa─── 06:40 Sun, 12 Mar 2023
Concerns are increasing over the rise in cholera cases in South Africa.
eNCA reports that the National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD) has recorded six cholera cases. One death has been reported in Gauteng.
ALSO READ: Health calls for vigilance after local cholera cases
The NICD said in an update on its website that all reported cases are adults, ranging from 19 to 44 years.
"Whilst there is an ongoing risk for imported cases following travel from other African countries currently experiencing cholera outbreaks (especially Malawi, Mozambique, Zambia and Zimbabwe), the detection of locally-acquired cases is critical to guide public health investigations and timely interventions that effectively interrupt cholera transmission in affected communities," said the NICD.
Meanwhile, the Department of Health has urged the public to be vigilant.
OFM News previously reported that cholera is an acute enteric infection that is caused by the bacteria Vibrio Cholerae. Outbreaks normally occur in settings with inadequate sanitation and insufficient access to safe drinking water.
Symptoms
People with cholera show symptoms of mild to severe and watery diarrhoea and dehydration.
