South Africa : Over 600 cases of diarrhoea reported in Mpumalanga

By Sydney Masinga
Carolina - More than 600 people have reportedly been diagnosed with diarrhoea in Carolina in Mpumalanga, sparking fears of an outbreak of the disease.

According to the provincial Department of Health spokesperson, Mpho Gabashane, more than 600 cases have been reported since Tuesday last week.

"The normal diarrhea threshold for the [area] is 13 cases per week, but between Tuesday last week and Monday this week, we have recorded 653 cases at both public and private health facilities," he said.

He said while five people have been hospitalised at the Carolina Hospital no one had died.
A similar outbreak was reported in October 2007 following heavy rains in the area similar to the current rainfall being experienced.

"The recent heavy rains caused damage in and around Carolina, and left the area without water and electricity for a few days," Mr Gabashane explained.

He said the Provincial Medical Joint Operations Committee, which coordinates responses to disease outbreaks in terms of the Disaster Management Act, had met to plan intervention measures and establish the possible causes of the outbreak.

The committee includes representatives of the Departments of Local Government, Water Affairs and Forestry, Health, Agriculture and Land Administration and the Albert Luthuli Local Municipality.

Communities in and around Carolina have been advised to purify their water before using if for cooking and drinking purposes.

They are advised to boil their water for at least three minutes or pour one teaspoon of household bleach in 20 litres of water that has been filtered through a clean, cotton cloth. Mix the mixture well and wait for 30 minutes.

The purified water should be stored in a clean, sealable container.

In the meantime, the department has activated all surveillance and health promotion teams in the area to monitor the situation and educate communities about how to protect themselves. - BuaNews