South Africa’s Gauteng Health Department reported 19 new cases of cholera in Hammansklaal on Sunday, including 10 deaths.
South Africa reported its first cholera death in February after the virus entered the country from Malawi. The number of cholera cases nationwide was unknown as of Sunday, but the most populous province of Gauteng, which includes Johannesburg and Pretoria, has been hit hardest.
Cholera can cause acute diarrhea, vomiting, and debility and is transmitted primarily through contaminated food and water. Left untreated, it can lead to death within hours.
The last outbreak in South Africa occurred in 2008-2009, with nearly 12,000 cases reported after an outbreak in neighboring Zimbabwe, leading to a surge in imported cases and subsequent domestic transmission.
