West
20 February 2009
Five new cases of cholera have been reported in Madibeng Sub-District near
Brits. One case was reported on 17 February and other four cases were reported
on 18 February. All cases were admitted at Brits Hospital and all have been
cured and discharged on 18 February.
All cases work and reside in Rooiplaas farm near Brits. Farm inhabitants are
reported to be sourcing water from a borehole and that is pumped into a tank
before use. The water has been taken for sampling.
The cases bring a total number of cholera cases reported in the province to
13 since the outbreak was reported late last year. No cholera related death has
been reported in the North West.
Communities are urged to take precautionary measures such as washing hands
with soap and water every time they use from the toilet, after changing babiesâ
nappies and when preparing food.
The department also like to advise those using untreated water and anyone at
risk, to purify their water with a teaspoon of household bleach (jik) to a five
litre bottle of water or to mix one capful of household bleach with 20 to 25
litres of water and let it stand for at least two hours (preferably overnight)
before consumption.
Any member of the public who gets sick with diarrhoea is urged to visit the
nearest clinic immediately.
Enquiries:
Nthabiseng Makhongoana
Cell: 082 939 9958
Tel: 018 387 5830
E-mail: nmakhongoana@nwpg.gov.za
Issued by: Department of Health, North West Provincial Government
20 February 2009
