Lerato Mbhiza
Two cases of cholera have been confirmed in Limpopo province from two Zimbabwean who recently arrived in South Africa after travelling for year-end festivities in Zimbabwe, the Department of Health said in a statement.
The department reported that a 43-year-old male patient tested positive in Musina, while the second case was identified after a 27-year-old man from the Capricorn District was treated in hospital for the water-borne disease.
“The Deputy Minister of Health, Dr Sibongiseni Dhlomo, urges members of the public to be vigilant and maintain personal hygiene as the country records two laboratory cases of cholera in Limpopo,” said the department’s Foster Mohale.
“All people who experience cholera-like symptoms (stomach cramps, diarrhoea, and dehydration and vomiting), with or without travel history to cholera endemic countries and areas, are also urged to present themselves to the nearest health facilities without delays. Never drink water from unsafe sources such as rivers, dams, streams, unless boiled or disinfected first”.
Mohale said the country is on high alert for possible imported cholera cases from the neighbouring Zimbabwe currently battling an outbreak of the disease where it has claimed 200 lives.
“The deputy minister thanks these patients for being honest with their travel history and full cooperation with health officials. He also appeals to all those with travel history to cholera outbreak areas to do the same in order to save lives and prevent further transmission to other people,” said Mohale.
Provincial health spokesperson in Limpopo, Thilivhali Muavha said: “Cholera is a highly infectious and potentially life-threatening disease caused by the bacterium Vibrio cholerae.
“The most common symptoms include severe diarrhoea, vomiting, and dehydration. If left untreated, cholera can lead to severe complications and even death.”
Muavha said when health practitioners at the two institutions became aware of the suspected cholera cases, immediate measures were taken to ensure the patients’ admission and treatment in accordance with established protocols.
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