Simon Majadibodu|Published
The Eastern Cape Department of Health is investigating gastroenteritis cases involving 111 students and staff at Rhodes University in Makhanda, after preliminary water tests reportedly detected E. coli, high coliform counts and low chlorine levels.
The cases were reported on Wednesday.
The university previously confirmed to IOL that more than 100 people had been affected.
Eastern Cape Department of Health spokesperson Siyanda Manana said the cases had resulted in some student absenteeism.
Preliminary information indicated that affected individuals had presented with symptoms including diarrhoea, stomach cramps and vomiting.
Health department investigates possible source
“The Department’s Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) team has confirmed that several referrals from the university have been observed at Settlers Hospital.
“Verification of the reported cases and further assessment of the situation are ongoing.”
Manana said preliminary water testing conducted at the university’s Microbiology Laboratory reportedly detected high coliform counts, the presence of E. coli and low chlorine levels.
“The significance of these findings and any possible link to the reported illnesses are still being assessed.”
He said the university had a designated facility where individuals presenting with mild symptoms were managed and provided with rehydration.
“The university has a designated facility where individuals presenting with mild symptoms are managed and provided with rehydration.”
Manana said those requiring more intensive medical care were referred to Settlers Hospital for further assessment and treatment.
According to Manana, Makhanda Municipality was also establishing a war room to co-ordinate the response in collaboration with environmental health practitioners, health promoters, provincial epidemiologists, university personnel and other relevant stakeholders.
He said the department would continue monitoring developments and updating the public.
“Members of the community experiencing symptoms such as diarrhoea, vomiting or stomach cramps are encouraged to seek medical attention, maintain adequate hydration and practise good hand hygiene.”
University steps up precautionary measures
Meanwhile, Rhodes University said spokesperson Olwetu Gwanya said the institution was working closely with the relevant authorities to address the public health concern.
“Students who experienced severe symptoms were taken to hospital for medical attention and have since returned to campus.”
She said the university continued to monitor reported cases and co-ordinate medical support for affected students.
“In support of the broader response, the university has intensified internal communication to ensure that students and staff are informed of and adhere to recommended precautionary measures.”
Gwanya said the university had introduced several measures to contain the situation, including providing bottled water for consumption.
“Staff and students are urged to remain vigilant and practise safe water use, food handling and personal hygiene, both on and off campus.”
“These measures include drinking boiled and cooled or bottled water, using safe water to prepare food and brush teeth, avoiding ice and uncooked food washed in untreated water, and washing hands regularly with soap and water,” she added.
Makhanda cases follow Tshwane water contamination crisis
The Makhanda development comes after President Cyril Ramaphosa apologised to Tshwane residents affected by the Bronkhorstspruit water contamination crisis, which recorded at least 408 cases of gastrointestinal illness.
Speaking during his campaign trail in Daveyton, Ekurhuleni, on Tuesday, Ramaphosa said national intervention had become necessary after the City of Tshwane failed to ensure proper water treatment.
“We are very sorry that it has resulted in the challenge of gastrointestinal illness that has affected a number of people,” he said.
IOL News