The Western Cape Department Health and Wellness can confirm no cases of cholera in the Western Cape have been reported, said provincial health spokesperson Natalie Watlington.

She said the department wanted to assure local communities in the province its health teams were on alert to detect any possible cases.

As part of the standard procedure to detect cholera early patients presenting to a health facility with watery diarrhoea they will also be tested for cholera.

What is cholera?

Cholera is a diarrhoeal disease caused by a bacterium called vibrio cholerae.

How does cholera affect a person?

Symptoms can often be mild and can begin as soon as a few hours or as long as five days after infection and include watery diarrhoea, vomiting and leg cramps.

In its severe form, cholera typically presents as follows:
. sudden onset of illness . diarrhoea, which is profuse, painless and watery, with flecks of mucus in the stool (“rice water” stools) . vomiting may occur, usually early in the illness. most people don’t have fever, although children may develop a fever. dehydration occurs rapidly, and if untreated, can be fatal.

Who is at risk of getting cholera?

The people most at risk of contracting cholera are those who do not have access to clean, piped water and improved sanitation.

How does cholera spread?

Water contaminated with human faeces is the most important means of cholera transmission, either directly (through drinking contaminated water) or indirectly (through eating contaminated food). . Water can be contaminated at its source, during storage or use. . Food can become contaminated when it comes into contact with contaminated water.. Soiled hands can also contaminate clean drinking water and food.

Prevention:
. Drink and use only safe/clean water. You can boil tap water and let it cool to make sure it is safe for consumption.