Gauteng needs heightened surveillance to prevent Cholera spread

17 April 2023

Gauteng needs to heighten surveillance to prevent the further spread of Cholera following 10 confirmed cases in Johannesburg and Ekurhuleni townships. The last seven cases were in people with no recent history of outside travel or contact with travellers from contaminated areas.

It is clear that the imported cases have led to local transmission through contaminated water supplies, including the Jukskei river which runs though Alexandra and Diepsloot where Cholera cases have been detected.

The great danger is that sewage flows can spread Cholera in areas without piped water.

Cholera is caused by bacteria that can live in faeces for up to 10 days, and can lead to vomiting and life-threatening diarrhoea.

Treatment is effective but requires swift diagnosis.

All clinics and hospitals should be on the alert for Cholera symptoms and ensure testing as it is a notifiable disease. Speedy contact tracing is important to identify further cases and limit the spread.

It is important that the Gauteng Health Department works with local municipalities which are responsible for environmental health.

Mass education is needed so people avoid drinking water from contaminated sources and wash their hands when dealing with food.

South Africa last had a Cholera outbreak in 2008 and 2009, with 12 705 recorded cases and 65 deaths.

Gauteng is now the epicentre of a potential new Cholera outbreak across the country and should take swift and decisive measures to curb it effectively.

Issued by Jack Bloom, DA Gauteng Shadow Health MEC, 17 April 2023