Deputy Minister of Health, Dr Sibongiseni Dhlomo, has advised the public to stay vigilant and uphold personal hygiene practices as the country registers two laboratory-confirmed cases of cholera in Limpopo, both imported from Zimbabwe.
The first case, involving a 43-year-old male patient in the Musina sub-district, Vhembe District, has been discharged from Musina hospital after testing positive.
The second case is a 27-year-old man, also from Zimbabwe, who reported symptoms at Hellen Franz hospital under Capricorn District Municipality.
He has a stable health condition and remains in isolation since his return from Zimbabwe on January 10, 2024.
The local outbreak response team is active in investigating and providing health education to contacts.
South Africa remains on high alert for potential imported cholera cases from Zimbabwe, which is grappling with an outbreak claiming over 200 lives.
Collaborating with the Border Management Authority, the Health Department has heightened health screening at Beitbridge border post to prevent cholera importation.
Deputy Minister Dhlomo commends the honesty and cooperation of the suspected cholera patients, urging others with travel history to affected areas to follow suit.
Travelers along the N1 are advised to avoid potentially contaminated surfaces in public places and practice thorough handwashing.
Anyone experiencing cholera-like symptoms, regardless of travel history, is urged to seek immediate medical attention. The public is reminded to avoid drinking water from unsafe sources unless properly treated to prevent infection.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Republic of South Africa: Department of Health.
