A third positive imported cholera case has been identified in Durban, according to Health Minister Dr Joe Phaahla, who said the 24-year-old patient had travelled to Karachi, Pakistan, and landed back in Durban on 16 July, when he was diagnosed.
The first two imported cases were from people who had travelled to Malawi.
The man had experienced abdominal cramps, vomiting and diarrhoea symptoms two days before leaving for Pakistan, but did not seek medical treatment when he got to that country, reports News24.
Only when he arrived at King Shaka International Airport, feeling dehydrated, was he taken to hospital.
The Department of Health said he was admitted on 18 July and his specimen sent to the National Institute for Communicable Diseases for testing.
“The results came back positive for cholera toxin on 24 July. He has been discharged and is recovering well at home.”
The man’s close contacts were traced but none displayed cholera-related symptoms.
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