hospital in the North West province
8 January 2009
The first case of cholera has been reported in Job Shimankana hospital in
the North West province. The person who has been admitted is originally from
Zimbabwe, and came in the country on 4 January 2009 visiting her brother in
Rustenburg, Seraleng near Boitekong.
She came in Job Shimankana Tabane Hospital as a transfer from a private
practitioner as a suspect case of cholera on 5 January 2009. On admission, she
was presented with diarrhoea and vomiting, and was admitted in the medical ward
the same day. Medical tests were done, and results were confirmed positive on 7
January 2009.
The hospital is taking every precaution in regards to infection control.
Environmental assessments at Leraleng informal settlements are also
underway.
The case is imported from Zimbabwe. The condition of the patient is
stable.
All informal settlements with inadequate sanitation, water provision and
waste management are at high risk of secondary cholera epidemics.
It is therefore most important that additional measures be taken such as
washing hands with soap and water every time you come back from the toilet,
after changing babiesâ nappies and when preparing food.
Issued by: Department of Health, North West Provincial Government
8 January 2009
