The Department of Health has announced that the number of deaths related to the cholera outbreak in Hammanskraal, north of Pretoria, has risen to 20.
The department said on Thursday the number of patients that have been seen at the Jubilee District Hospital as of 24 May 2023 is now at 179.
Of the 179 patients, the department revealed that 18 were transferred to Dr. George Mukhari Academic Hospital and Steve Biko Academic Hospital.
In addition, data shows that the number of laboratory-confirmed cases of cholera is standing at 29, while 78 have been admitted due to gastrointestinal infection.
On Thursday, Cabinet said extensive work is underway to test all possible sources of the contamination following the cholera outbreak.
Authorities are testing all water sources, it noted, including the tankers delivering water, taps and the Rooiwal wastewater treatment plant.
“To date, no evidence of cholera bacteria has been found in these sources, giving confidence to the likelihood that the cholera outbreak could be from a once-off contamination event, with the current cases being a result of secondary and tertiary contamination,” the department explained.
Water and Sanitation Minister, Senzo Mchunu, is expected to meet the City of Tshwane Mayor, Cilliers Brink, to develop a joint plan for the long overdue refurbishment of the Rooiwal wastewater treatment plant.
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