Pretoria, South Africa – (African Boulevard News) – South Africa has established a field hospital in Kanana to handle the recent outbreak of cholera in the Hammanskraal township, near South Africa’s capital of Pretoria. The Gauteng Health Department constructed the facility to help stop and manage the spread of the disease.
Cholera is a bacterial infection that causes severe diarrhea, dehydration, and can lead to death if not treated. The disease is typically spread through contaminated water or food. In recent months, South Africa has seen a rise in cholera cases, with over 300 reported cases in Hammanskraal alone.
The establishment of the field hospital in Kanana is an essential step in curbing the cholera outbreak. The facility comes equipped with 40 beds, an isolation ward, and an on-site laboratory to diagnose and treat patients. The hospital will also provide clean, safe water and sanitation facilities to reduce the spread of the disease.
According to Gauteng Health MEC Dr. Nomathemba Mokgethi, the hospital is an effective means to manage the cholera outbreak. “We aim to get ahead of the disease and prevent it from spreading further by diagnosing and treating patients promptly,” she said.
The field hospital will work in conjunction with surrounding health centers to provide a comprehensive approach to cholera treatment and prevention. Gauteng Health has stated that they will continue to monitor the situation and take appropriate action if necessary.
The establishment of the Kanana hospital is an example of proactive measures that can be taken to address public health emergencies. It is crucial to have adequate resources and infrastructure in place to contain and manage outbreaks quickly. With the field hospital in place, the authorities are taking the necessary steps to prevent the disease from spreading.
As the world battles the COVID-19 pandemic, it is easy to forget that other diseases like cholera continue to pose a significant threat to public health. The establishment of the field hospital in South Africa is a reminder that we must remain vigilant and prepared to respond to emerging public health crises.
Dr. Mokgethi summed it up best, “We are committed to protecting the health and safety of our citizens and will continue to work diligently to prevent the spread of cholera.”
