GARDEN ROUTE | KAROO NEWS - The Western Cape Government Health and Wellness Department confirmed in a statement on 2 June that no cases of cholera have been reported in the Western Cape.

The statement was issued in light of 26 cholera-related deaths in South Africa since February. 

National Health Minister Joe Phaahla has said the area north of Tshwane, Hammanskraal, was the epicentre of the outbreak and 24 deaths have been reported there. One death was recorded in the Free State and one in Mpumalanga. The cause of the outbreak is yet to be ascertained. 

"Our colleagues in Water Department, both in City of Tshwane and DWS, are continuing to examine the water sources to determine any contamination," he said.

The outbreak has highlighted the breakdown in service delivery and infrastructure in certain parts of the country.

The Western Cape Health Department gave the assurance that its health teams are on alert to detect any possible case. As part of the standard procedure to detect cholera early, patients presenting to a health facility with watery diarrhoea will also be tested for cholera, said the department.

Cholera is a diarrhoeal disease caused by a bacterium called vibrio cholerae. Symptoms can often be mild and can begin as soon as a few hours or as long as five days after infection and include watery diarrhoea, vomiting and leg cramps.

Rehydration (replacement of lost body fluid) is the mainstay of treatment and is lifesaving. Moderate and severely ill persons need to be admitted to hospital for intravenous fluid rehydration.

Water contaminated with human faeces is the most important means of cholera transmission, either directly (through drinking contaminated water) or indirectly (through eating contaminated food). Food can become contaminated when it comes into contact with contaminated water. Soiled hands can also contaminate clean drinking water and food.

Prevention

Drink and use only safe/clean water. You can boil tap water and let it cool to make sure it is safe for consumption. Wash hands regularly with soap and safe water, especially before you eat or prepare food and after using the bathroom.

The Western Cape Government Health and Wellness department confirmed in a statement on 2 June that no cases of cholera have been reported in the Western Cape.

This is in the light of 26 cholera related deaths in South Africa since February. National Health Minister Joe Phaahla has said the area north of Tshwane, Hammanskraal, was the epicentre of the outbreak and 24 deaths have been reported there. One death was recorded in the Free State and one in Mpumalanga. The cause of the outbreak is yet to be ascertained. "Our colleagues in Water Department both in City of Tshwane and DWS are continuing to examine the water sources to determine any contamination.

The Western Cape Health Department gave the assurance that its health teams are on alert to detect any possible case. As part of the standard procedure to detect cholera early, patients presenting to a health facility with watery diarrhoea they will also be tested for cholera.

What is cholera?

Cholera is a diarrhoeal disease caused by a bacterium called vibrio cholerae.

How does cholera affect a person?

Symptoms can often be mild and can begin as soon as a few hours or as long as five days after infection and include watery diarrhoea, vomiting and leg cramps.

In its severe form, cholera typically presents as follows:

• sudden onset of illness

• diarrhoea which is profuse, painless and watery, with flecks of mucus in the stool ("rice water" stools)

• vomiting may occur, usually early in the illness

• most persons don’t have fever, although children may develop a fever

• dehydration occurs rapidly, and if untreated, can be fatal.

Who is at risk of getting cholera?

The people most at risk of contracting cholera are those who do not have access to clean, piped water and improved sanitation.

How does cholera spread?

Water contaminated with human faeces is the most important means of cholera transmission, either directly (through drinking contaminated water) or indirectly (through eating contaminated food).

Water can be contaminated at its source, during storage or during use.

Food can become contaminated when it comes into contact with contaminated water.

Soiled hands can also contaminate clean drinking water and food.

Prevention

Drink and use only safe/clean water. You can boil tap water and let it cool to make sure it is safe for consumption.

Wash hands regularly with soap and safe water, especially before you eat or prepare food and after using the bathroom.

How is cholera treated?

Rehydration (replacement of lost body fluid) is the mainstay of treatment and is lifesaving. Mild cases of cholera can be managed outside the hospital with oral rehydration.

Moderate and severely ill persons need to be admitted to hospital for intravenous fluid rehydration. Antibiotics are recommended for patients with moderate or severe dehydration.

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