The Nkangala area of Delmas has been hit by an outbreak of diarrhoea, the provincial health department in Mpumalanga said on Tuesday.
”Under normal circumstances 10 cases of diarrhoea are reported in a week, but we treated 47 people last week and 26 yesterday [Monday],” said spokesperson Mpho Gabashane.
Gabashane said the department sent officials to the area on Monday to take samples from all sources of water as well as stool specimens — but no organisms were found in water.
”We have not yet identified the source …”
Gabashane appealed to Nkangala residents to remain calm and, should people experience any symptoms of diarrhoea, they should report to the local clinic or hospital ”so that we can determine the extent of the outbreak”.
Tap water was still considered to be safe for human consumption, he added. — Sapa