Efforts are underway to contain the outbreak and assess water quality in affected areas, following the emergence of the waterborne parasitic disease, bilharzia, in various locations within the Greater Tzaneen Local Municipality, situated in the Mopani District.

This is according to the Minister in the Presidency, Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, who addressed the media on Friday regarding the outcomes of the Cabinet meeting held on Wednesday.

According to the latest reports, the bilharzia outbreak has significantly impacted areas such as Nkowankowa, Khujwana and Dan villages.

Earlier this month, the provincial department said over 150 learners from Malwandla Primary School were diagnosed and are receiving treatment with anti-parasitic medication.

Bilharzia is described as a waterborne disease transmitted through contact with contaminated water.

The public is urged to prevent children from swimming in contaminated water and to seek medical treatment immediately if symptoms arise.

Meanwhile, the Limpopo provincial
government has established a provincial testing centre to address the outbreak after several people contracted the disease.

Bilharzia can present a range of symptoms, which include but are not limited to abdominal pain, fever and chills, bloody diarrhoea, blood in urine, urine tract infections, persistent headaches, and fatigue.

The Minister said early diagnosis and intervention are crucial in managing and treating bilharzia effectively.

In addition, the Minister said there has been a restriction on animal movement in the Eastern Cape due to a foot and mouth disease outbreak in the Kouga and Koukamma municipalities that falls under the Sarah Baartman District Municipality.

‘Cabinet reminded South Africans that the transportation of livestock from one place to another requires a transport permit from a local state veterinary office,’ Ntshavheni said.

The Minister also touched on the importance of non-pharmaceutical measures to mitigate the spread of Mpox disease in South Africa.

She emphasised regular ha
nd washing with soap and water or using alcohol-based sanitisers to prevent the disease’s transmission after 25 cases were reported since the outbreak.

Source: South African Government News Agency