Health departments in the Eastern Cape and North West provinces were still investigating on Thursday the possible cause of recent outbreaks of cholera.
Thirteen people died of the disease early in March in the rural Eastern Cape, and at least nine people are still being treated in the North West.
North West health spokesperson Barba Gaoganediwe said water samples from the Kanana township near Klerksdorp have been sent for testing. The results of the tests are expected on Friday.
Meanwhile, one person was discharged from hospital after receiving treatment on Wednesday.
At least eight others are still under ”strict observation” in the Klerksdorp hospital, he said. Of the nine original cases four have been confirmed as cholera.
Eastern Cape health spokesperson Sizwe Kupelo said four people were admitted to hospital with symptoms of cholera in that province on Wednesday.
An outbreak earlier in March in a rural area between Kokstad and Umtata claimed the lives of 13 people.
Kupelo said the community did not report the outbreak of the disease and when the health department heard about it, 13 people had already died.
Rehydration centres, a mobile clinic, clean water and water purification tanks were immediately deployed in the area and more than 100 people were treated.
He said the outbreak is under control.
The provincial health department is still conducting an education campaign in the area on hygiene.
Kupelo said there is not adequate water in the area and no sanitation.
He said the Department of Water Affairs and Forestry is working on a ”long-term solution” to the lack of clean drinking water in the area. — Sapa