No cholera in Limpopo waters

2008-12-15 19:07

Johannesburg - Water resources in Musina and its surrounding areas have tested negative for cholera, the health department said on Monday.

Spokesperson Phuthi Seloba said: "Even the Limpopo river tested negative this time. This could be because rivers regularly clean themselves due to turbulences. The Nwanedi river in Madimbo also tested negative," he said. However, although the death toll remained at eight, suspected cholera cases were still increasing, with 769 on Sunday rising to 805 on Monday.

Seloba said the department had partnered with the water affairs and forestry department to intensify the campaign to create awareness in the affected communities and their neighbours.

"We currently have 31 patients compared to about 111 we had in hospital last month, which indicates that we are succeeding in treating the disease.

"Only two patients returned for treatment, but we are not taking chances. We are investigating under what circumstances the two people got cholera again," he said.

"Various government departments, non-governmental organisations and the general communities have been very supportive and co-operative in ensuring that the spread of cholera is curbed," Seloba said.

- SAPA