South Africa records first cholera death

South Africa has recorded its first death linked to the recent cases of cholera detected in the country.

The Minister of Health, Joe Phaahla, announced on Thursday, that the deceased was the country’s fifth case of the disease.

The deceased has been identified as a 24-year-old male residing in Emandleni Wattville, Ekurhuleni, with no travel history.

“The patient presented with profuse watery diarrhoea and was admitted at Tambo Memorial Hospital. His results confirmed positive status and sadly, he passed away a few days later," Phaahla said.

One of his contacts is still in hospital and further investigation is being conducted.

The body of the deceased, according to the department, will be transported to KwaZulu-Natal for burial and health officials will advise the bereaved family and undertakers of the safe burial precautions to prevent the spread of the disease.

According to the department, there are five confirmed cases of cholera in South Africa.

Cholera mainly spreads through contaminated or polluted water.

According to the department, people can be infected directly through drinking contaminated water, or indirectly through eating contaminated food.

Symptoms include diarrhoea dehydration, vomiting and body weakness.

Members of the public are reminded to maintain hand hygiene to prevent possible transmission.

“All people who experience cholera-like symptoms, with or without local or international travel history, are encouraged immediately visit their nearest health facility for screening and testing to ensure early detection and successful treatment, if test positive.”

 

Done By: Mitchum George