The departmental spokesperson, Tebogo Lekgethwane, told OFM News some of the cases were detected last year, and more recent ones were diagnosed since the beginning of this year. Amongst the four individuals are two children under the age of 14, and two adults.

Lekgethwane says some out of the recent cases have a travel history outside the country and were detected in the Khuma- and Matlosana areas. He says 76% of the cases were caused by the same strain that has been in circulation in the Matlosana Subdistrict. Lekgethwane says there are no hospital admissions.

“A total of 21 cases have been recorded since November 2020. In 2022, between January and February we have recorded four,” he explained

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Lekgethwane says the symptoms will be a bit excessive, some will show a persistent high temperature that will gradually increase by the day. Some will have a headache, body pains, and extreme tiredness. Constipation is also possible, while some have diarrhoea.

The bacterial infection is spread through contaminated food or water. It is also easily contracted if sanitation is poor. 

Precautions that the public can take, include:

•Washing hands with hot water and soap
•Well-cooked food
•Clean food preparation area
•Consumption of clean water; water can be boiled and cooled/chilled.

Symptoms include:
 
•Persistent high temperature that will gradually increase by the day
•Headache
•Body pains
•Extreme tiredness
•Constipation
•Diarrhoea

OFM News