By: Natasha Archary

The Gauteng Department of Health confirms that 229 patients have been treated at the Jubilee District Hospital after exhibiting signs of cholera.
This after a cholera outbreak in Hammanskraal claimed the lives of 23 people. In the past few days, 23 other patients were transferred to hospitals around Tshwane.
According to the Department, from Saturday, 27 May, 77 patients were admitted for diarrheal disease.
Although 29 patients have since recovered and have been discharged, the number of cholera cases at Jubilee is still at 48.
A field hospital in Kanana has since been set up as part of efforts to manage the diarrheal disease.
Those affected have presented symptoms of cholera which include, dehydration, vomiting and diarrhoea.
In a statement, the department assures the public that measures put in place to contain the cholera outbreak.
“The public is advised to report to their nearest health facilities when they present with diarrhoea, nausea, vomiting, stomach cramps and dehydration symptoms, so they can receive medical treatment.
It is also critical that the public avoid consuming known or suspected contaminated food and water.”
Gauteng Department of Health
Meanwhile, Johannesburg Water has reassured residents that the city’s water supply is untainted and safe to consume.
Johannesburg Water says that although media reports suggest that a part of the Vaal River tested positive for cholera, the bulk water supplier used chlorine to disinfect water before it’s pumped to residents.
“Even if cholera were to be detected around our catchments, Rand Water uses chlorine as a disinfectant, which is able to deal with cholera the same way as it does E.coli.
In order to reassure the public about the excellent drinking water quality, Johannesburg Water continues to monitor and test for microbiology, physical aesthetic, and chemical determinants.”
Johannesburg Water
Johannesburg Water says it continues to test water at stationary and mobile tankers in informal settlements and reservoirs within the city.
#JoburgUpdatesMedia Statement 📢📢📢
— Johannesburg Water (@JHBWater) May 27, 2023
Johannesburg residents reassured of the safety of the City’s water ^N pic.twitter.com/KMp3DfwtJl
Also read: Mahikeng Provincial Hospital placed newborn babies in boxes



