The City of Cape Town (COCT) says it is aware of several fake news messages circulating in community WhatsApp groups, asking the public not to drink municipal-supplied tap water.
According to the City, the messages are inaccurately linked to the typhoid fever that was previously communicated. Typhoid fever has been reported in South Africa and across several provinces according to the National Institute for Communicable Disease (NICD) with the Western Cape currently having the highest number of reported cases.
The province has reported a total of 64 cases in three different districts, Cape Town Metro health district, the Cape Winelands and the Garden Route, while the North West has reported only 18 cases.
Also read: Typhoid fever outbreak in SA: Western Cape sitting as a hotspot
However, the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Water and Sanitation, Zahid Badroodien confirmed that the City continually monitors drinking water to ensure it complies with the strict requirements of the South African National Drinking Water Standard (SANS241).
“All drinking water samples tested this week complied with the South African National Drinking Water Standard on Acute Health Determinants and pose no health risk to the public, “Badroodien. explained.
Patricia van der Ross who is responsible for Community Services and Health in the COCT further mentioned that extreme weather conditions in the City have also led to a noticeable increase in the number of children brought to health facilities with symptoms like diarrhoea, vomiting and dehydration.
According to Van der Ross, unclean hands can spread viruses that cause diarrhoea, as well as spoilt food if eaten which can also lead to dehydration.
Meanwhile, If residents have any concerns related to the quality of the water, please report them via the following channels to arrange for a sample to be taken:
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Call 0860 103 089
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Email [email protected]
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SMS 31373 (Maximum 160 characters)
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Visit a City walk-in centre (see www.capetown.gov.za/facilities find the one closest to you)
Also read:
WC Health Department urges parents to be vigilant as diarrhoea in small children increase
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