The Eastern Cape Department of Health is on high alert following an isolated case of suspected cholera.
It has activated its highly trained outbreak response and health promotion teams as a precautionary measure.
The 47-year-old female patient from Walmer has since been admitted in isolation on contact precaution at Livingstone hospital, pending the toxigenicity results from the National Institute for Communicable Diseases. She remains in a stable condition.
Departmental spokesperson, Sizwe Kupelo says the team will work with the municipality to conduct contact tracing.
“The patient stays with a minor and has a history of funeral attendance a week ago. However, she had not traveled outside the city. Health environmental services have already taken samples from waste water treatment sources for laboratory testing, and results came back negative from cholera.”
“The department wishes to emphasize the fact that no other case or sickness has been reported from the area. Members of the public are urged to practice good hygiene, washing hands with soap, and safe water. They must be sure of drinking clean and safe water.”
Symptoms of cholera include watery diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and dehydration. If left untreated, it may lead to death. It can spread through contaminated food and water.
Health teams will now engage on public awareness using community radio stations and also with municipality.
ISSUED BY THE EASTERN CAPE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH
