TWO ZIM MEN DETAINED IN SA HOSPITALS OVER CHOLERA

TWO Zimbabweans, who recently travelled back to South Africa after the holidays, have tested positive for cholera.

The two men, aged 43 and 27, showed cholera symptoms before they were tested at Musina and Hellen Franz Hospitals where they are now admitted.

In a statement, South Africa’s Limpopo Department of Health confirmed admitting the two patients.

“We can confirm that our medical teams are closely monitoring their condition and providing the necessary medical care to facilitate their recovery.

“We would like to emphasise that cholera is primarily transmitted through contaminated food and water.

“Therefore, it is crucial for individuals to practice good hygiene, such as washing hands frequently with soap and clean water, especially before eating or preparing food,” reads the statement.

The health department reiterated that they have the situation under control.

“The two patients were immediately admitted and tested.

“Upon becoming aware of the suspected cases, immediate measures were taken to ensure the patients’ admission and treatment in accordance with established protocols.”

The most common cholera symptoms include severe diarrhoea, vomiting and dehydration

If left untreated, cholera can lead to severe complications and even death.

As of January 15, more than 5 200 cases of cholera have been recorded in Zimbabwe with more expected due to the current rains.

Government has launched various initiatives to provide schools and health centres with access to water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) to tackle the spread of the disease.

Meanwhile, Harare mayor, Jacob Mafume, has urged residents to report any symptoms of cholera promptly, warning that delays could cause the highly contagious disease to spread further. Mafume expressed hope that a decline in cases would occur naturally as the holiday season ends, but added that the authorities have taken steps to deal with any new outbreaks.

“We have various centres and ambulances in place to attend to cases being reported.

“Our nurses and clinics are free and once you have the symptoms, rush there for proper diagnosis and treatment to avoid loss of life.

“We are hoping to flatten the cholera curve as people are now settling to their usual routine coming from the holidays where there was a lot of travelling and mixing with a lot of people,” said Mafume.