The Department of Health has dispatched an outbreak response team to assist at the Paul Jungnickel Rehabilitation Centre in the area of Tshwane District following reports a diarrhoea outbreak.
Twenty eight residents are clinically suspected to have Shigella after experiencing consistent diarrhoea. Samples have been collected for investigation. Three people have already died.
The Department is working together with the Department of Social Development as the centre is a non-profit organisation under the department to contain the disease.
Shigellosis is an intestinal infection that results in severe diarrhoea caused by shigella bacteria.
The symptoms include, loose stools (with blood and mucus), fever, abdominal cramps, nausea and vomiting. Shigella is caused by unhygienic conditions and contaminated food.
Measures currently being undertaken by the outbreak response team are to:
- Assess the situation at the centre
- Isolate all patients involved
- Transfer seriously ill patients to Tshwane District hospital
- Send swabs from water samples and kitchen for laboratory tests
- Educate the staff at the centre on good hygiene.
Enquiries:
Sello Mokoena
Cell: 082 331 0786
Simon Zwane
Cell: 082 551 9892
