Polokwane has so far been untouched by the latest cholera epidemic flowing from Zimbabwe’s borders.

However, it is probably only a matter of time before this city is also affected by this disease.

Over the past weeks Informant has reported several times on places in the city where se-wage is flowing into fresh water.

These fresh water streams run throughout Polokwane and in some places, the water is used by those living in the area.

New Pietersburg is an example of this.According to the national Department of Health, good sanitation practices, if instituted in time, are usually sufficient to stop an epidemic.

There are several points along the transmission path at which the spread may be halted or spread, depending on the action taken: 

• Sterilisation: Proper disposal and treatment of the germ-infected fecal waste produced by cholera victims (and all clothing and bedding that come in contact with it) is of primary importance. 

• Sewage: Treatment of general sewage before it enters the waterways or underground water supplies prevents undiagnosed patients from spreading the disease.

• Sources: Warnings about cholera contamination posted around contaminated water sources with directions on how to decontaminate the water. 

• Water purification: All water used for drinking, washing, or cooking should be sterilised by boiling or chlorination in any area where cholera may be present.

Boiling, filtering, and chlorination of water kill the bacteria produced by cholera patients and prevent infections from spreading.

Provincial Department of Health spokesperson, Mr Phuti Seloba, said on Monday there were 2 439 confirmed cases of cholera in the province.

The death toll since November 2008 still stands at 9, he said. Cholera is spreading in the province at an alarming rate.

At the beginning of December, Seloba confirmed 187 cholera cases in the province. This means that in just over a month, 2 252 people have been infected.

However, Seloba still says the situation is under control.

Seloba advised those who live in or travel to any of the areas where cholera is present to protect themselves by practicing some good hygiene and safe food preparation rules.

These include washing one’s hands with soap and clean water especially before and after eating and using the toilet.

Drink only water that has been boiled, factory-bottled or disinfected with chlorine (Jik).

Beverages such as hot tea or coffee, wine, beer, carbonated water or soft drinks, and bottled or packaged fruit juices are usually safe to drink.

Avoid ice, unless you are sure that it is made from safe water. Eat food that has been thoroughly cooked and is still hot when served.

Cooked food that has been kept at room temperature for several hours, and served without being re-heated can be an important source of infection. Avoid raw seafood and other raw foods, especially salads.

The exceptions are fruits that you have peeled or shelled yourself.

Avoid ice cream and other dairy products from unreliable sources, as they are frequently contaminated and can cause acute diarrhea and/or cholera.

Seloba said the most important treatment for cholera and other acute diarrhoea is rehydration, which consists of prompt replacement of the water and salts lost through severe diarrhoea and vomiting.

“If you become severely dehydrated you may need to receive fluid intravenously.

"Include oral rehydration salts in your travel medical kits and travel with water purification tablets (chlorine tablets) or household bleach (Jik).

“Remember, a few hygiene measures and rapid seeking of treatment could save your life!” - Karen Venter