Zero cholera detected in piped city water supply amid Hammanskraal cholera outbreak

The City of Tshwane found no cholera in sources around Temba and Hammanskraal.

To find a way to curb the ongoing cholera outbreak, the City of Tshwane extensively tested samples at multiple locations, including reservoirs, fire hydrants, primary schools, clinics, and water tanker supply points connected to the Temba Water Treatment Plant. The results concluded no microbiological contaminants, such as E. coli or faecal coliforms, were associated with cholera.

While the City still does not know the contamination’s source, it has expanded its testing area and interviewed patients to determine the outbreak’s origin. The City will update affected residents on future test results as they become available.

In the meantime, the City of Tshwane strongly advised residents to practice good hygiene, including regular handwashing and thoroughly cleaning water containers with Jik detergent. In addition, boiling water from sources other than the tested reservoirs before consumption. The City also urged the community to stop attending religious activities, such as baptism, in rivers or streams.

Also read: Authorities launch investigation to find source of cholera outbreak in Hammanskraal

Cholera is a bacterial disease primarily transmitted through contaminated water. Its symptoms include severe diarrhoea and dehydration. If one leaves it untreated, it can rapidly lead to death, even in previously healthy individuals.

To mitigate the outbreak’s impact, the City of Tshwane announced plans to intensify food safety campaigns and increase potable water delivery through tankers. The frequency of water deliveries will be increased to five times a week, excluding Thursdays and Sundays, until the end of May. However, it is essential to note that the water supplied in Hammanskraal is unsuitable for drinking or food preparation.

The City’s Outbreak Response Teams (ORT) are actively conducting surveillance monitoring, sampling, and field investigations. Additionally, the City awaits test results from the National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD) to identify the precise source of contamination.

The City urged residents exhibiting symptoms of cholera to seek immediate medical attention at the nearest clinic or hospital without delay. The City emphasised the importance of not waiting until symptoms worsen and urged proactive action to ensure timely treatment.

As investigations continue and measures are underway to address the outbreak, the City of Tshwane remains committed to safeguarding the health and well-being of its residents in Hammanskraal and the surrounding areas.

Source: Hammanskraal cholera outbreak: Zero cholera detected in piped city water supply

Also read:

Gift of the Givers delivers thousands of litres of drinking water to cholera-stricken Hammanskraal

Picture: Unsplash / Jimmy Chang