7 January 2009
There are no cholera cases in the Eastern Cape and we do not know where this
information is coming from. No patients were being treated in any of the
hospitals in Sterkspruit and reports that more than 100 people were being
treated for diarrhoea in hospitals around Sterkspruit were incorrect.
"On 24 December, about five people were rushed to Mlamli hospital and
treated for food poisoning after having fed on contaminated meat," said Sizwe
Kupelo, spokesperson for Eastern Cape Health.
"We urge the community of Sterkspruit to remain calm as there is no need for
panic and appeal to those who continue to spread these unsubstantiated rumours
to stop. If there was an outbreak the department would have been the first to
raise the alarm, would have dispatched outbreak response teams to the areas
affected and raised awareness," said Kupelo.
Issued by: Department of Health, Eastern Cape Provincial Government
7 January 2009
Source: Department of Health, Eastern Cape Provincial Government
(http://www.ecdoh.gov.za)
