Potential for larger cholera outbreaks due to unsafe water supply, says NICD

The National Institute of Communicable Diseases (NICD) says there is potential for larger localized cholera outbreaks because of unsafe water supply around the country.

The bacterial disease was first detected in the country in March this year, mainly in Hammanskraal, north of Pretoria.

So far, 12 people have died from the disease and 37 others have been hospitalized in the area.

But the institute says it has now confirmed cases outside of Gauteng from the Vredefort and Parys areas in the Free State.

The institute’s head of enteric diseases, Dr Juno Thomas: “For the general public and for all communities in order to protect yourself against diarrheal disease to make sure that if you are not sure about how safe your water source may be, to make sure to either boil it or treat it with household bleach but hand hygiene in the home is critical in the home.”

She says the issues of poor sanitation that lead to cholera in the country haven’t changed for decades.

“The focus on water and sanitation cannot be underestimated. I think it’s wherever there is a breakdown in water supply or unsafe sanitation you have the potential for cholera introduction into communities.”

In other news – Watch: Shauwn Mkhize (MaMkhize) shows off her 3 beautiful granddaughters, Flo, Coco & Miaandy Mpisane

Mzansi reality TV star, actress, businesswoman, and Royal AM president, Shauwn Mkhize aka MaMkhize may have her hands full with the launch of her memoir, overseeing her PSL team Royal AM and her multiple business ventures.

But the reality TV star is never too busy for her grandchildren from her son Andile Mpisane. The businesswoman has three granddaughters, Florence “Flo,” Coco Likuwe, and Miaandy Mpisane. In a cute Instagram Story on Sunday, 21 May, MaMkhize revealed that she was officially on “granny duty.” Learn More