South Africa: 2023 Cholera

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Source: https://www.news24.com/news24/southa...cases-20230205

05 Feb
Health minister calls for surveillance as SA records two cholera cases
Ntwaagae Seleka

Two new cholera cases have been confirmed in the country.
The cases are two sisters who traveled from Johannesburg to Malawi.
A close contact of one of the siblings was admitted with diarrhea and dehydration on 4 February.

South Africa has recorded cholera cases, attributed to two sisters who had been to Malawi...

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MEDIA STATEMENT

To: Health Editors & Journalists
Issued by: Departments of Health
Date: Sunday, 05 February 2023

Statement by Minister of Health, Dr Joe Phaahla on the detection of
Cholera cases in South Africa

Pretoria: The Minister of Health, Dr Joe Phaahla calls for vigilance as the country
records two laboratory-confirmed cases of cholera imported from Malawi. The cases
are sisters who had travelled together from Johannesburg to Malawi to attend a funeral
service, and returned by bus on 30 January 2023. Both patients had developed
symptoms on their return to Johannesburg.

One patient presented to a local clinic and was then admitted to hospital. During the
case investigation and follow-up of close contacts, the sister reported that she also
developed diarrhoea whilst travelling back from Malawi but it resolved within a day and
she did not seek health care.

A close contact (household family member) of one of the cases/patients was admitted
to hospital on 4 February with diarrhoea and dehydration, and is considered a possible
case. Laboratory test results are pending and follow-up of close contacts is ongoing.
Cholera is an acute enteric infection caused by the bacteria Vibrio cholerae, and the
outbreaks usually occur in settings with inadequate sanitation and insufficient access
to safe drinking water. Cholera typically causes acute watery diarrhoea and can affect
people of all ages.

It mainly spreads through contaminated/polluted water. People can become infected
directly through drinking contaminated water, or indirectly through eating
contaminated food. The infection is often mild or without symptoms, but can
sometimes be severe and life-threatening.

Symptoms ranges from mild to severe and watery diarrhoea and dehydration. The
incubation period (the period from when the person ingests cholera-contaminated
water/food to when they first become ill) ranges from few hours to 5 days, usually 2 to
3 days. Most persons infected with cholera will experience mild illness or not feel ill.
Although, cholera is often predictable and preventable. People are urged to ensure
proper hand-hygiene which includes thorough washing of hands with water and soap
before and after using the bathroom/toilet, and preparing or eating food. The use of
only safe or disinfected water for preparing food, beverages and ice is recommended
to prevent possible cholera transmission include. Safe disposal of human excrement
and nappies is recommended.

The department is working closely with the affected province, the National Institute for
Communicable Diseases and World Health Organization to closely monitor the
situation. All people experiencing symptoms such as diarrhoea and dehydration, with
or without travel history to cholera outbreak countries are urged to report at their
nearest health facilities for health screening and early detection.

The World Health Organization does not recommend any travel or trade restrictions
on countries based current available information in line with the international health
regulations. The port health officials at the ports of entry (especially land and air) will
remain on alert for travellers arriving from countries experiencing cholera outbreak.

South Africa is not endemic for cholera, and the last outbreak was in 2008/9 with about
12 000 cases. That resulted from an outbreak in Zimbabwe which led to surge of
imported cases and subsequent local transmission in Mpumalanga and Limpopo
provinces through contaminated water.

For more information and media enquiries, please contact:
Mr Foster Mohale
Health Departmental Spokesperson
0724323792
Foster.mohale@health.gov.za
Mr Doctor Tshwale
Spokesperson for Health Minister
063 657 8487
Doctor.Tshwale@health.gov.za

https://www.health.gov.za/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Statement-by-Minister-of-Health-Dr-Joe-Phaahla-on-the-detection-of-Cholera-cases-in-South-Africa.pdf

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MEDIA STATEMENT

To: Health Editors & Journalists
Issued by: Departments of Health
Date: Thursday, 23 February 2023

Health Minister announces first Cholera death, as more cases detected in
South Africa

Pretoria: The Minister of Health, Dr Joe Phaahla announces the first death linked to
the recent cases of cholera detected in South Africa, as the number of laboratory
confirmed-cases rises to five. This follows an announcement of three cases few weeks
ago.

The 4th 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.
A specimen was collected for testing and the patient was not admitted at the hospital
but managed as an outpatient and given treatment to take home, and requested to
return for his results which came back positive. The outbreak response team
conducted a case investigation 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. The patient presented with profuse watery diarrhea
and was admitted at Tambo Memorial Hospital. His results confirmed positive status
and sadly he passed away few days later. One of his contacts is still in hospital and
further investigation is being conducted.

The body of the deceased 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.

Cholera mainly spreads through contaminated/polluted water. People can become
infected directly through drinking contaminated water, or indirectly through eating
contaminated food. Symptoms includes 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.

https://www.health.gov.za/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Health-Minister-announces-first-Cholera-death-in-SA-cases-inscrease-to-five-in-South-Africa-23-February-2023.pdf

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Source: https://www.iol.co.za/capetimes/news...9-fe9915871269

Cholera: sixth case confirmed in South Africa
Okuhle Hlati
Published 3h ago

Cape Town - The sixth laboratory-confirmed Cholera case in South Africa is a 19-year-old female patient from Emandleni informal settlement in Benoni, Ekurhuleni District in Gauteng.

Doctor Tshwale, spokesperson for Health Minister Joe Phaahla, confirmed the sixth case yesterday (Thursday).

Tshwale said the patient was identified by the Outbreak Response Team during contact tracing and social mobilization activities where over 1,160 people were reached...

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Source: https://www.nicd.ac.za/cholera-outbr...30-march-2023/

Cholera Outbreak in South Africa (30 March 2023)
30 March , 2023

Since the last update on 28 February 2023, four new cholera cases have been reported. All new cases were detected in Gauteng Province over the last week, and have been classified as indigenous cases; none reported recent travel (international or local) and there was no evidence of a direct link to imported cases. Three of the new cases are in the City of Johannesburg and are adults who participated in the same traditional healing ritual. One case is in Ekhurhuleni: a 10-year-old child with no history of travel and no apparent links to other cases. All new cases are recovering.

In total, 10 confirmed cholera cases including one death has been reported since 5 February 2023. All cases are in Gauteng Province; no confirmed cases have been reported in other provinces. The cases range in age from 10 to 50 years. In eight cases, Vibrio cholerae was isolated from stool or rectal swab specimens in and further characterised as toxigenic Vibrio cholerae O1 serotype Ogawa; two cases were negative on culture and diagnosed by PCR tests. All isolates have tested susceptible to ciprofloxacin and azithromycin.

The first three cases in this outbreak were imported or import-related cases following travel to Malawi. All subsequent cases acquired infection locally and are classified as indigenous cases. The indigenous cases are from two districts in Gauteng Province (City of Johannesburg and Ekhurhuleni). Some cases reported exposure to, or consumption of, untreated water from the Jukskei and Klip rivers and these are being investigated as possible sources of infection...

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Source: https://www.iol.co.za/news/south-afr...8-b3201d2c8156

Beware of cholera: Cases rising as six people die of gastrointestinal infections in Tshwane
Written by Jonisayi Maromo
Multimedia Journalist, IOL News
The national Department of Health is urging communities to heighten hand-hygiene after at least six people have succumbed to gastrointestinal infections in Tshwane. File Picture: Rabin Singh
Published 7h ago


Pretoria - The national Department of Health has appealed to community members to take extra precautionary measures and maintain proper hand-hygiene as South Africa experiences an outbreak of diarrhoeal disease or gastrointestinal infection.

Additionally, health officials have also raised the alarm on rising number of laboratory-confirmed cases of cholera.

“The department has been informed of cases of people presenting with gastrointestinal symptoms in Hammanskraal, north of Pretoria in the past few days, and this has led to over 50 people receiving medical care at Jubilee Hospital,” said Foster Mohale, spokesperson for the Department of Health.

“Unfortunately, six patients have lost their lives.”

Mohale said diarrhoeal disease was a common and often highly infectious condition affecting the stomach and intestines.

“It is a leading cause of child mortality and morbidity in the world, and mostly spreads by contact with an infected person or through contaminated food and drinking water sources..

“Individuals generally become ill 12 to 48 hours after exposure. Some of the common symptoms include diarrhoea, cramps, nausea, vomiting and low-grade fever,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Department of Health has also confirmed that the cumulative number of positive cholera cases in South Africa had increased to 22, following the detection of four more cases in Gauteng, and seven cases in Vredefort and Parys areas in the Free State...

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Source: https://www.unicef.org/southafrica/p...uteng-province

Two children among latest cholera deaths in Gauteng province
Cholera outbreak spreads, threatening the health of children and people across affected areas, UNICEF South Africa stands ready to further scale-up its support.
May 22, 2023

PRETORIA, 22 May 2023 – Two children are among fifteen people now reported to have died from the cholera outbreak in South Africa, according to the Gauteng Department of Health. The recent deaths have occurred in Hammanskraal, Gauteng province, while cholera cases have also been reported in other areas, including Free State province.

The worsening outbreak in South Africa comes after UNICEF warned on 19 May about a global cholera catastrophe without urgent action. “The current global cholera situation is unprecedented due to the alarming size of the outbreaks, geographic spread, and extraordinarily high rate of deaths,” said Jérôme Pfaffmann Zambruni, UNICEF's global Public Health Emergency unit head in Geneva...

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Translation Google

South Africa: at least 17 dead in a cholera epidemic

By Writing Africanews with PA
Last update: 5 hours ago

At least 17 people have died following a cholera outbreak in the township of Hammanskraal, on the outskirts of South Africa's capital Pretoria, authorities said on Wednesday.

The toll has risen from the 10 deaths reported by local health authorities earlier this week. Authorities said there were 29 other lab-confirmed cholera cases , while 67 people were admitted to hospital and clinics with gastrointestinal infections .

Health authorities have yet to confirm the exact source of the cholera outbreak, but poor sewage management and instability by local authorities in the South African capital have been blamed. Tshwane Municipality , which encompasses Pretoria and surrounding areas, has seen at least five different mayors since the ruling African National Congress (ANC) party lost control of local elections in 2016.

South Africa is the latest country in southern Africa to experience a cholera outbreak, following deaths this year in neighboring Zimbabwe and Malawi . In February, the World Health Organization said cholera cases in Africa were rising exponentially as part of a global upsurge. At least 12 African countries have reported cholera outbreaks this year.
...

https://fr.africanews.com/2023/05/25/afrique-du-sud-au-moins-17-morts-dans-une-epidemie-de-cholera/

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Source: https://www.news24.com/news24/southa...to-20-20230525

2h ago
Cholera outbreak: Woman dies in Free State as Gauteng death toll rises to 20
Yoliswa Sobuwa

The number of people who have died of cholera in Hammanskraal, outside Tshwane, has risen to 20.

The Free State reported that one person died after being diagnosed with cholera.

This is according to an update from the national health department on Thursday afternoon.

The department's spokesperson, Foster Mohale, said the number of patients seen at the Jubilee District Hospital was 179.

The health department encouraged people to boil water and use a disinfectant...

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Source: https://zululandobserver.co.za/lnn/1...-child-3-dies/

Cholera cases rise to 44 in Hammanskraal, child (3) dies
Since the cholera outbreak in Hammanskraal, there have been 21 deaths and 203 hospitalizations as of yesterday.
3 hours ago

A three-year-old child is the youngest victim of the recent cholera outbreak.

The number of confirmed cholera cases recorded at the Jubilee Hospital now sits at 44 since the weekend.

The Gauteng Department of Health reported that the confirmed cases had risen from 29 the previous day to 44 yesterday, while 21 people had since died from the cholera disease.

Since the weekend, dozens of people from Kanana, Suurman, Majaneng, Green Field, Carousel View, Lephengville, and Sekampaneng have been hospitalized with symptoms of diarrhea, stomach cramps, and nausea...

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Source: https://www.news24.com/news24/southa...lised-20230528

4h Aug
Cholera outbreak: Death toll rises to 23 as more people hospitalised
accreditation

The number of people killed by cholera in Hammanskraal has risen to 23, with 48 people in hospital.
More than 200 people have been seen at the Jubilee District Hospital since the middle of May.
The public has been warned to avoid consuming suspected contaminated food and water.

The number of people who have succumbed to cholera in Hammanskraal has increased to 23.

The Gauteng health department's spokesperson, Motalatale Modiba, said 229 patients have been seen at the Jubilee District Hospital since 15 May.

“The number includes 23 patients transferred to other Tshwane-based hospitals. In the past few days, fewer patients have presented at health facilities with symptoms of diarrheal disease.

“The number of laboratory-confirmed cases of cholera seen at the hospital is 48. To date, 23 people have, unfortunately, passed on from the disease outbreak,” confirmed Modiba.

“As of 27 May, 77 people were admitted for diarrheal disease. It is worth noting that 29 patients have since recovered and were discharged. To manage the diarrheal disease, the government has set up a field hospital in Kanana...

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Source: https://www.polity.org.za/article/li...tal-2023-05-31

Limpopo records first cholera case as Zimbabwean national is admitted to Musina Hospital
31st May 2023
By: News24Wire

Limpopo has recorded its first cholera case, according to the provincial Department of Health.

It said the 26-year-old Zimbabwean nationally reported to Musina Hospital on Friday after experiencing severe symptoms, including vomiting and dehydration. The department said the person was isolated and treated, and was recovering well.

However, the case was not unexpected due to an outbreak in the neighboring Beitbridge district in Zimbabwe...

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Source: https://www.gov.za/speeches/health-u...-jun-2023-0000

Health update on response to Cholera outbreak in South Africa

8 Jun 2023


Update on the response to Cholera Outbreak in South Africa
The Department of Health, working with various stakeholders continue to make a significant progress in response to cholera outbreak in some parts of the country to contain the spread of the disease and save lives, while the investigations into the cause of the outbreaks are ongoing.
The National, Provincial and District Outbreak response Teams have been activated and managed reached over 300 contacts as part of case finding and contact tracing activities which include health promotion and continuous distribution of 3000 hygiene packs donated by UNICEF and Doctors Without Borders to households and local schools in the affected communities.
So far, more than 600 people with suspected cholera symptoms have been seen in Gauteng and Free State hospitals.
The setting-up of well-equipped temporary field health facility ( Kanana Cholera Treatment Centre) which is the epicenter in Hammanskraal, has not only relieved pressure at Jubilee hospital, but also contributed to improved health seeking behaviour amongst community members with suspected to cholera symptoms.
Over 200 people have been seen at this makeshift hospital. The facility has been operating 24/7 since 26 May.
With regards to positive cases, the country has recorded a total cumulative number of 166 laboratory-confirmed cases and 202 suspected cases of cholera in five provinces between 1 February and 06 June 2023.
Majority of cases were recorded in Gauteng which accounts for at least 92% or 152 cases, while Free State Province accounts for 5% which translates into 9 cases. Other provinces which recorded positive cases include Limpopo (1), Mpumalanga (1) and North West (3).
Majority of these cases were diagnosed at public laboratories. The ages of patients in Gauteng range from 1 year to 91 years, while in Free State ranges from 10 to 50 years.

With regards to mortality rate, the death tall stands at 31, and Gauteng accounts for 29 deaths, Free State and Mpumalanga account for one death each.
The Department of Social Development continues with psychosocial support and social relief packages to the families of the deceased.
Members of the public are urged to remain vigilant and avoid known or suspected contaminated food, water and surfaces, and wash hands thoroughly with soap before handling and preparing food or after using the bathroom to prevent possible infection. Never drink water from unsafe sources such as rivers, dams, streams, unless boiled or disinfected first.
For media enquiries, please contact:
Mr Foster Mohale
Health Departmental Spokesperson
0724323792
Email: Foster.mohale@health.gov.za
Mr Doctor Tshwale
Spokesperson for Health Minister
063 657 8487
Email: Doctor.Tshwale@health.gov.za

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Source: https://reliefweb.int/report/south-a...toll-climbs-32

Africa
Cholera death toll climbs to 32

Format News and Press Release
Source Govt. South Africa

Posted
9 Jun 2023
Originally published
9 Jun 2023


The cholera death toll has now risen to 32 after a woman from Parys, Free State, succumbed to the waterborne disease.

The Free State Department of Health on Thursday identified the deceased as a 42-year-old female, who was admitted at Boitumelo Hospital in Kroonstad.

“The patient is confirmed to have died and thereafter laboratory tests confirmed that the death is attributable to cholera.”...

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Cholera cases linked to social gatherings, funerals – Health Dept as death toll rises

Gauteng accounts for most of the deaths.

Compiled by Molefe Seeletsa
Digital Journalist
2 minute read
26 Jun 2023
2:25 pm

The majority of the positive cholera cases and deaths have been linked to social gatherings and funerals.

This is according to the national Department of Health.
...
On Sunday, the department confirmed the death toll from the cholera outbreak had risen to 43.

Gauteng accounts for most of the deaths, with 35 people confirmed to have died from the gastrointestinal disease.
...
“The country has recorded a total cumulative number of 1 045 suspected cases of cholera in 15 out of 52 districts across five provinces, of which 197 of them were laboratory-confirmed.

“Gauteng accounts for most of the cases at 89% with 176 reported from three districts. Free State accounts for 6% with 11 of the cases, reported from Fezile Dabi District.

“North West has recorded five cases, Limpopo four cases and one case in Mpumalanga,” Health Department spokesperson, Foster Mohale, said in a statement.

...

https://www.citizen.co.za/news/cholera-cases-linked-to-social-gatherings-funerals/

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Source: https://mg.co.za/news/2023-07-06-hea...cholera-cases/

6 Jul 2023
Health department reports decrease in cholera cases
By Umamah Bakharia

The department of health has reported a decline in cholera cases across the country after only one cholera-positive case was confirmed in Gauteng out of 28 suspected cases in the past 10 days.

But the department has cautioned the public to remain vigilant and practise good hygiene after 47 deaths were recorded from the outbreak.

“This doesn’t mean the transmission of cholera is over, and members of the public are urged to remain vigilant and exercise personal hygiene at all times, especially when preparing and serving food during mass gatherings.”

The warning comes after the country recorded 1 073 suspected cholera cases in five provinces, of which 198 cases were laboratory confirmed from 1 February to 4 July.

Ferrial Adam, of OUTA’s Water Community Action Network (WaterCAN)said the government still needed to improve water and sanitation infrastructure to prevent future outbreaks. “Even if the numbers are going down, the levels of pollution and sewage pollution in our rivers and streams, which people are dependent on, is unacceptable.”

South Africa recorded its first three cases of cholera in February after two sisters from Diepsloot in Johannesburg travelled to Malawi by bus in January. The husband of one of the women tested positive for cholera after developing symptoms.

The National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD) has since said that “subsequent cases acquired infection locally and are classified as indigenous cases”.

Gauteng is leading with 176 confirmed cholera cases, mostly from Hammanskraal, which falls under the City of Tshwane...