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
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