There have been 105 739 cases if cholera reported in KwaZulu-Natal since August 2000, the province’s health department reported this week. The fatality rate is 0.215% and 228 have died. Cholera is a bacterial infection, which is contracted by drinking contaminated water or by eating food which has been in contact with contaminated water, flies or soiled hands. The germs responsible for cholera are found in human faeces, said the department. Water becomes contaminated when people defecate into water or too close to water. The department said to prevent infection people must only drink purified or treated water (boiled or by adding one teaspoon of bleach to 25 litres of water and allowing it to stand for a minimum of two hours) as well as practicing good personal and environmental hygiene. – Woza