10 people have died in Hammanskraal, Gauteng after being admitted to hospital with diarrhoea, stomach cramps and vomiting due to a cholera outbreak. The MEC for Health in Gauteng Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko on Sunday confirmed a cholera outbreak in Hammanskraal. A three-year-old is among the 10 people who have died.

The number was confirmed by lab results of tests on stool specimens of 19 people who presented at Jubilee District Hospital with symptoms of diarrhoea, stomach cramps and nausea.

CHOLERA OUTBREAK IN HAMMANSKRAAL 

 Since Monday, 95 people within the area have been seen at the hospital with similar symptoms.

“Currently, there are 37 people admitted at the hospital with cholera symptoms.  Unfortunately, 10 people have died,” she said. 

“The 10 people that died include a three-year-old and nine adults.”

Nkomo-Ralehoko added that the department has made available two additional wards to accommodate patients who could not be immediately admitted on arrival.

“We have also mobilised additional resources which include medical and nursing staff from surrounding hospitals and local clinics to improve capacity for the growing need for medical care. Furthermore, additional linen has been delivered from the provincial laundry to activate the extra beds,” she added. 

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The department has also urged the public to take precautionary measures. 

“Diarrhoeal disease is a common and often highly infectious condition that affects the stomach and intestines. It is a leading cause of child mortality and morbidity in the world. Mostly spreads by contact with an infected person or through contaminated food and drinking water sources,” said the  department.