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Funerals and social gatherings linked to cholera

The national Department of Health says most of the country’s positive cholera cases and deaths have been linked to social gatherings and funerals.

The latest death toll is sitting at 43, with 35 of them in Gauteng.

While there has been a decline in the total number of infections, there are currently 197 confirmed cases countrywide.

Department spokesperson Foster Mohale said a total of 1 045 suspected cases of cholera in 15 out of 52 districts across five provinces had been recorded – 197 being lab-confirmed, reports The Citizen.

“Gauteng accounts for most of the cases at 89% with 176 reported, from three districts. Free State accounts for 6% with 11 of the cases reported from Fezile Dabi District.

“North West has recorded five cases, Limpopo four cases and one case in Mpumalanga.”

He said the spread had been attributed to social gatherings and that the focus has been on preventing further person-to-person transmission of the disease where there was no reported outbreak.

 

The Citizen article – Cholera cases linked to social gatherings, funerals – Health Dept as death toll rises (Open access)

 

See more from MedicalBrief archives:

 

Source of cholera outbreak still unclear: Phaahla

 

Class action threat after cholera deaths

 

Unsafe national water supply sparks fears of larger cholera spread

 

Cholera tests for two Gauteng rivers after baptisms

 

 

 

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