Vibrio cholerae, the bacterium that causes cholera. Image: Creative Commons/Tom Kirn, Ron Taylor, Louisa Howard – Dartmouth Electron Microscope Facility.
Cholera claims first victim in Mpumalanga, death toll reaches 25
The 73-year-old woman died after being admitted to Mmametlhake Hospital with cholera symptoms. Tests later confirmed she had the disease.
Vibrio cholerae, the bacterium that causes cholera. Image: Creative Commons/Tom Kirn, Ron Taylor, Louisa Howard – Dartmouth Electron Microscope Facility.
Mpumalanga confirmed its first cholera case on Wednesday, 31 May. The 73-year-old woman died on Tuesday.
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FIRST CONFIRMED CHOLERA PATIENT IN MPUMALANGA DIES
The Mpumalanga Department of Health said the patient lived in Phaphamang Section, Phake, in Dr JS Moroka. She was admitted to the Mmametlhake Hospital, which is near to Hammanskraal, on 26 May, presenting with diarrhoea, nausea and vomiting.
“She was a known patient on hypertension treatment. A Cholera sample was taken and forwarded to the laboratory for investigation. The interim result showed cholera positive,” said the department.
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The woman died in hospital on 30 May. The final test results confirmed she was infected with cholera.
The latest death means at least 25 people have died of the disease – 23 in Hammanskraal, Tshwane, which is the current epicentre, and another in the Free State.
“The National Department of Health would like to confirm the first case of Cholera detected in Mpumalanga Province, and the patient has unfortunately passed away.
“The deceased was a 73-year-old female from Mamatlake Hospital, which is close to Hammanskraal area. This brings the death toll to 25.
“Members of the public are urged to remain vigilant and exercise personal hygiene, while those experiencing Cholera symptoms are urged to present themselves to the nearest health facility,” said National Health Department spokesperson, Foster Mohale, later on Thursday, confirming the death.
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The Department of Health has deployed an Outbreak Response Team in Dr JS Moroka to:
• Investigating possible sources of infection and contact tracing
• Conduct intensive community awareness campaigns
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