The Eastern Cape Department of Health is on high alert following an isolated case of suspected cholera.
Spokesperson Sizwe Kupelo said the department activated its highly trained outbreak response and health promotion teams as a precautionary measure.
He said the 47-year-old female patient from Walmer in Gqeberha had been admitted in isolation on contact precaution at Livingstone Hospital, pending the toxigenicity results from the National Institute for Communicable Diseases.
She remains in a stable condition.
Kupelo said the teams would work with the municipality to conduct contact tracing.
He said the woman, who attended a funeral a week ago, stays with a minor and had not travelled outside of Gqeberha.
“Health environmental services have already taken samples from wastewater treatment sources for laboratory testing, and results came back negative from cholera,” Kupelo said.
“The department wishes to emphasize the fact that no other case or sickness has been reported from the area.
“Members of the public are urged to practice good hygiene [and] wash their hands with soap. Symptoms of cholera include watery diarrhoea, nausea, vomiting and dehydration.
“If left untreated, it may lead to death,” Kupelo cautioned.
He said cholera can spread through contaminated food and water.
In June this year, 43 people died from cholera in five provinces.
At the time, the Eastern Cape was not affected.
