Makhanda:Government authorities have initiated an investigation into the outbreak of gastrointestinal illnesses affecting 111 individuals at Rhodes University and 23 inmates at St Albans Correctional Centre.

According to South African Government News Agency, the investigation was announced through a joint statement by the Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS), the Eastern Cape Provincial Government, Makana Local Municipality, and Nelson Mandela Bay Metropolitan Municipality. The joint effort was prompted by reports of severe abdominal cramps, diarrhea, vomiting, and dehydration among affected individuals in these areas, leading to their treatment at various healthcare facilities.

A multi-stakeholder technical team has been established to identify the source of the illnesses and prevent further spread. This team includes representatives from the DWS, provincial departments of Health and Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, Sarah Baartman District Municipality, Makana Local Municipality, Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality, the National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD), Amatola Water, and Rhodes University.

An intergovernmental meeting, led by Water and Sanitation Minister Pemmy Majodina and Eastern Cape Premier Oscar Mabuyane, was held to discuss the findings from the technical team. The team reported on the number and locations of illness cases, the samples taken by the NICD, and the water quality tests conducted by the DWS. They also discussed urgent measures being implemented to protect communities.

Water samples have been collected from various sources, including Rhodes University's internal water storage and the municipal distribution network. At St Albans Correctional Centre, samples were taken from the elevated water storage tower. Preliminary findings suggest that contamination is confined to the water distribution systems within the university and the prison, rather than the municipal systems.

Laboratory test results are still pending. The government has urged those experiencing symptoms to seek medical attention promptly and report cases to local health authorities. Additionally, communities have been advised to maintain good hygiene practices to help curb the spread of the illness.

Earlier this week, a similar response was initiated after 408 cases of gastrointestinal illness were reported in Bronkhorstspruit, City of Tshwane Municipality.