Eastern Cape Health ‘on high alert’ amid suspected cholera case
The Eastern Cape Department of Health says it’s on high alert following a suspected cholera case in the province.
Health spokesperson Sizwe Kupelo says the department has activated its outbreak response and health promotion teams as a precautionary measure.
A 47-year-old woman from Walmer has been admitted in isolation on contact precaution at Livingstone Hospital, pending the toxigenicity results from the National Institute for Communicable Diseases.
A week prior, the 47-year-old had attended a funeral in the area.
Kupelo says although she remains in a stable condition, the health team, together with the municipality, are working to conduct contact tracing.
"Health environmental services have already taken samples from wastewater treatment sources for laboratory testing, and results came back negative for cholera. The department wishes to emphasise the fact that no other case or sickness has been reported from the area.”
He urged members of the public to practice good hygiene.
"They must be sure of drinking clean and safe water. Symptoms of cholera include watery diarrhoea, nausea, vomiting, and dehydration. If left untreated, it may lead to death. It can spread through contaminated food and water."
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