Two cholera cases have been confirmed in Soweto, the Gauteng department of health revealed.
Spokeswoman Zanele Mngadi said the two cases were confirmed last week at the Chicken Farm informal settlement in Kliptown, Soweto.
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"The source of infection has not been established, but an urgent investigation is underway to establish the source, identify and treat possible cases and ensure no further spread of this illness. Water samples have been taken and the result returned negative," she said.
Awareness campaign launched
The health department has since embarked on a public awareness campaign in the area, and has alerted nearby clinics to be more vigilant when dealing with patients with symptoms of cholera.
Mngadi said cholera was an acute diarrhoea infection caused by ingestion of the bacterium Vibrio cholerae and was spread through food, water, unclean hands and other items."
According to the department the symptoms of the illness include sudden onset of diarrhoea which can be very severe in some cases and lead rapidly to dehydration and death, if proper treatment is not provided immediately.
"Cholera is preventable and treatable," said Mngadi. "If tap water is not available, fresh water should be collected every day, treated and stored in clean containers with covers," she said. (Sapa)
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