Health Minister announces first cholera death
The Minister of Health, Dr Joe Phaahla, announced the first death linked to the recent cases of cholera detected in South Africa.
The Minister of Health, Dr Joe Phaahla, announced the first death linked to the recent cases of cholera detected in South Africa, as the number of laboratory-confirmed cases rose to five.
MORE CHOLERA CASES DETECTED IN SOUTH AFRICA
The death follows an announcement of three cholera cases a few weeks ago.
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The fourth case is a 28-year-old male residing in Alexandra Township with no local or international travel history.
The patient presented himself at the Edenvale Hospital Emergency Centre with a four-day history of diarrhoea, vomiting, and body weakness.
HEALTH MINISTER SAYS CHOLERA CASES IS UP TO FIVE
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Phaahla says a specimen was collected for testing and the patient was given medication to take home. .
The outbreak response team conducted a case investigation and visited the patient’s residence and workplace the following day.
“The 5th case is a 24-year-old male residing in Emandleni Wattville, Benoni in Ekurhuleni with no travel history.” Says Phaala
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The health minister said the first cholera death was confirmed at Tambo Memorial Hospital in Gauteng on Thursday, 23 February 2023.
The patient had profuse watery diarrhoea and was admitted to Tambo Memorial Hospital. He tested positive and died a few days later.
KNOW THE CHOLERA SYMPTOMS
One person is still in the hospital, and an investigation is ongoing.
Health officials will advise the bereaved family and undertakers in KwaZulu-Natal of safe burial precautions to prevent the spread of the disease.
Cholera mainly spreads through contaminated/polluted water.
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People can become infected with cholera directly by drinking contaminated water or indirectly by eating contaminated food, which could ultimately cause death.
People who experience cholera-like symptoms, with or without local or international travel history, must visit their nearest health facility for screening.
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