WATCH: How does cholera spread?

Cholera is caused by bacteria that normally come from the faeces of an infected person. Here’s how you can protect yourself

May 22, 2023

South Africa has its first cholera outbreak since 2009. There have been 22 confirmed cases and one death since February, says Foster Mohale, the national health department’s spokesperson.
The cholera bug recently travelled to South Africa via people who got infected in Malawi and is now spreading.
The disease is caused by a bacterium called Vibrio cholerae, which normally hitches a ride from one person to another through an infected person’s faeces. The bug spreads when contaminated sewage isn’t disposed of properly, and then comes into contact with water or food that others consume.
Not everyone will fall seriously ill with cholera. One in 10 people will have severe symptoms, which can include watery diarrhoea, thirst and vomiting.