The Limpopo Department of Health have confirmed that the province has recorded its first case of cholera. The case has been confirmed by the National Institute of Communicable Diseases after it was dictated at Musina Hospital in Vhembe.

A 26-year-old Zimbabwean national presented at Musina Hospital on the 26th of May 2023 with extreme diarrhea, vomiting, and dehydration. He was admitted, isolated, and treated, while specimens were sent to the NICD for testing.

FIRST CHOLERA CASE IN THE PROVINCE

Although the test results came out positive, the patient has since improved and is due to be discharged. This positive case did not come as a surprise following reports that Beitbridge district in neighbouring Zimbabwe is one of those districts that have reported outbreaks, and the department did confirm the state of readiness at Musina Hospital. State of readiness has also been strengthened in Belabela Hospital, which is bordering Gauteng’s Hammanskraal area where a number of cases have also been reported.

The department is strengthening its outbreak response work by means of surveillance. Also conducting health promotions working with local stakeholders in the hotspots area, including the Beitbridge border posts. The department has also met with the Vhembe District Municipality about the need to regularly conduct water tests.

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“We are calling upon all our communities to remain calm and vigilant by practising basic hygiene, hand washing, and drinking safe water,” said MEC Ramathuba

Meanwhile, MEC Dr. Ramathuba will be visiting Musina Local Municipality on Friday morning. She will be at the Musina Hospital at 08:15 and Beitbridge Border Post at 09:15.