MPUMALANGA Health MEC Sasekani Manzini has announced the first case of cholera death in the province.
She said her department had confirmed an investigation of a possible case of cholera in the province after one death was reported on Tuesday, 30 May.
This is following the death of a 73-year-old gogo from Phaphamang section in Phake, who was admitted to Mmametlhake Hospital on the 26 May 2023 after suffering from diarrhoea, nausea and vomiting.
The gogo had apparently eaten tin fish during the day.
"She was a known patient on hypertension treatment. Cholera sample was taken and forwarded to laboratory for investigation. Interim result showed cholera positive. Final results confirmed that the patient was indeed cholera positive. The patient unfortunately demised on 30 May 2023 at the hospital," she said.
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She said the Department of Health has sent an outbreak response team in the municipality to investigate possible sources of infection and contact tracing, conduct intensive community awareness campaigns.
"Communities are advised to be on high alert of cholera, as cholera is one of the diarrhea diseases caused by bacteria called vibrio cholera," she said
"The symptoms are sudden diarrhea, which is painless, watery diarrhea or rice stool, nausea and vomiting, and fever among children, and some individuals do not feel ill. The disease spreads through ingestion or drinking of contaminated water with human faeces," she said.
The MEC said the illness may start from few hours to five days of infection. She said anyone who presents symptoms with diarrhoea, nausea, and vomiting should immediately seek medical assistance at the local health facility.
