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South Africa Water Crisis: Over 500 Ill
21 Oct
Summary
- Over 500 individuals fell ill due to gastrointestinal issues.
- Contaminated water linked to poor quality in two cities.
- Lack of chlorine at a Pretoria plant caused unsafe water.
A severe gastrointestinal illness outbreak has affected over 500 people across South Africa, with poor water quality identified as the primary cause in two separate cities.
In communities east of Pretoria, nearly 408 people, predominantly children under four, experienced symptoms after drinking water from a treatment plant. Authorities confirmed the water had not been chlorinated for approximately three weeks due to supply issues, rendering it unsafe. The plant sources water from a river contaminated by sewage from upstream wastewater facilities.
Further south, in the coastal city of Gqeberha, at least 111 students at Rhodes University were treated for similar symptoms. Investigations are underway, but water quality is also suspected here. Both incidents have prompted warnings about safe water consumption and hygiene practices.
