/ 25 January 2004

Farmer diagnosed with Congo fever

A 70-year-old farmer diagnosed with Congo fever has been admitted to hospital, the North West health department said on Saturday.

Spokesperson Barba Gaoganediwe said the man, who has been identified only as Mr Zeiwick, was in a stable condition in the infectious diseases unit of Klerksdorp/Tshepong hospital.

He said the Lichtenburg farmer was initially admitted to Potchefstroom Hospital but has since been moved to Klerksdorp ”for further intensive care and observation”.

”Our department has since Friday increased the disease surveillance programme with a round the clock plan of contact tracing,” said Gaoganediwe.

He also urged the public not to panic as there was no outbreak of the deadly disease. ‒ Sapa