Cholera nightmare worsens – death toll rises to 31

The cholera outbreak death toll has risen to 31, the Department of Health confirmed on Thursday afternoon, 8 June. The fatalities are concentrated in Gauteng.

Gauteng Bears the Brunt with 29 Cholera Deaths, Other Provinces Affected

Twenty-nine people died of cholera in Gauteng, while one each succumbed to the disease in the Free State and Mpumalanga.

Thus far, over 600 people with suspected cholera symptoms have been attended to at hospitals in Gauteng and the Free State.

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The Kanana Cholera Treatment Centre, temporary health facility, was established in Hammanskraal, the epicentre of the outbreak.

Over 600 Suspected Cholera Cases Reported, Makeshift Hospital Eases Pressure

Health Department spokesperson Foster Mohale said the makeshift hospital is well-equipped, has relieved pressure on Jubilee Hospital, and improved health-seeking behaviour among those with suspected cholera symptoms.

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“Over 200 people have been seen at this makeshift hospital. The facility has been operating 24/7 since 26 May,” said Mohale.

South Africa has a cumulative total of 166 laboratory-confirmed cholera cases and 202 suspected cases in five provinces detected between 1 February and 6 June.

Gauteng accounts for 92% of the cases (152), followed by the Free State with 5% (9) by North West with 3 cases and Limpopo and Mpumalanga with one each.

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“Majority of these cases were diagnosed at public laboratories. The ages of patients in Gauteng range from 1 year to 91 years, while in Free State ranges from 10 to 50 years,” said Mohale.

The government is yet to establish the source of the cholera outbreak. President Cyril Ramaphosa visited Hammanskraal on Thursday.

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