The National Department of Health would like to clarify the two laboratory-confirmed cases of cholera announced by the North West Department of Health on Tuesday, 30 May 2023.

It was discovered during the discussions with North West health officials that two cases, were already reported under Gauteng, because the two patients were screened, tested and diagnosed with cholera while they were in Hammanskraal.

The positive cases and deaths are counted under the province or district in which they were tested, not where the patients reside.

This means, the province of North West has no confirmed cases nor outbreak of Cholera at the current moment.

Both the National and Provincial Health Departments would like to apologise for communication error occurred.

The Department will provide a comprehensive update on cholera outbreak in the country in the next 24 hours.

Members of the public are reminded to continue practising personal hygiene, wash their hands thoroughly with water and soap or sanitiser before prepare handling food or after using bathrooms.

All people who experience cholera-like symptoms (stomach cramps, diarrhoea, and dehydration and vomiting) are urged to present themselves to the nearest health facilities without delays to enable health workers effectively manage the infection.

The case finding and contact tracing activities are ongoing, especially in the affected communities.

Source: Government of South Africa