Seven people have died in Hammanskraal, near Pretoria, as a result of an outbreak of diarrheal disease or gastrointestinal infection, according to the Gauteng Department of Health.
The stomach and intestines are affected by the highly contagious condition, which is spread through contact or contaminated food or water.
The infection can cause fatal complications in children, the elderly, and immunocompromised individuals, even though it does not kill healthy people.
The department said since Monday last week, in excess of 60 individuals have been getting treatment at the Jubilee Clinic with watery loose bowels, stomach cramps, nausea and vomiting.
“Of all of these patients, 26 had symptoms of both diarrhoea and vomiting, while 16 only had diarrhoea and 10 were vomiting. Most of these patients showed signs on arrival to the [Jubilee Hospital].
“The provincial and district outbreak response teams have been dispatched to Jubilee Hospital and the affected areas to further investigate the source of the gastrointestinal infection. Already, stool specimen has been collected from some of the affected people. The results are expected from the laboratory during the course of the weekend,” the department said.
The department approached residents to take additional consideration during this time and to answer to hospital assuming they experience side effects.
Seven people have died from an outbreak of gastrointestinal infections
“People are urged to ensure proper hand hygiene which includes thorough washing of hands with water and soap before and after using the bathroom/toilet and preparing or eating food. Make use of only safe or disinfected water for preparing food, beverages and ice in order to prevent possible transmission of the infection.
“The [department] is urging the public to report to their nearest health facilities when they present with mild to severe and water diarrhoea and dehydration symptoms so that they can receive treatment.
“Symptoms may appear within one to three days after being infected and ranges from mild to severe. Symptoms usually last just a day or two, but occasionally, they may last up to 14 days,” the department said.
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