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South Africa is experiencing its first cholera outbreak since 2009. There have been 22 confirmed cases and one death since February, says Foster Mohale, the national health department's spokesperson.
The cholera bug recently travelled to South Africa via people who got infected in Malawi, and is now spreading further.
The disease is caused by a bacterium called Vibrio cholerae, which normally hitches a ride from one person to another through an infected person's faeces. The bug spreads when contaminated sewage isn't disposed of properly, and then comes into contact with water or food that others consume.
Not everyone will fall seriously ill with cholera. One in 10 people will have severe symptoms which can include watery diarrhoea, thirst and vomiting.
This story was produced by the Bhekisisa Centre for Health Journalism. Sign up for the newsletter.
