Investigations into the diarrhea outbreak in Mpumalanga still ongoing

Investigations into the source of the diarrhea outbreak in Barberton, Mpumalanga, are still ongoing. This is according to the Mpumalanga of Department of Health Director for the Communicable Diseases Control Programme Mandla Zwane.

The department took a decision to send a team of their expert out onto the field in the uMjindi area last week following an increase in the number of patients who reported to be experiencing the desease.

The Mpumalanga Department of Health has warned residents of Barberton to remain cautious amid the outbreak in the area. About 73 diarrhoea cases have been recorded so far with one death of a 9-month-old baby at the Barberton Hospital.

“We can’t say now, what it is. As I said, the team is busy is in the field doing the investigation. We were waiting for the results of the clinical samples that have been taken and water samples that were taken. That’s why I am saying we have observed an increase of diarrheal cases in that area,” says Zwane.

According to the department, 18 individuals have since been admitted to the hospital for diarrhoea.

The diarrhoea outbreak scare within the uMjindi area, the Department of Health says an outbreak response team has been deployed to investigate the source of infection and also to try an contain the spread.

Currently, the department is awaiting results from water samples taken from six various water sources.

Residents are advised to boil water before drinking them and also to wash food and hands thoroughly.