Water bug alert ignored

28 January 2013

A SHOCKING report on a stomach bug outbreak in Nelson Mandela Bay over December has revealed the city's public health boss warned officials about the poor water quality at the time, but no warning was ever issued to the public.

A report shows Dr Mamisa ChabulaNxiweni's department also advised more chlorine be added to water to kill off the faecal bacteria.

The department also advised that all hospitals and private doctors be placed on alert to deal with possible cases of bacteria, called shigella.

Infection caused by the bacteria resulted in one fatality, while 50 other cases required hospital admission, councillors have said.

For the full story read The Herald, or get the complete newspaper, including comics, classifieds, crosswords and back editions in our e-Edition

Reader's Comments

Report Abuse Author: Manny Date: 29 January 2013 9:28

This shows the ignorance of our Municipality....I was also the victim of this bug, but luckily,It was not as seroius as it was to tothers.I also feel that crimnical charges should be laid to them,because of their negligence to the Community.#utterly disgusted#

Report Abuse Author: alvonhumb Date: 28 January 2013 20:43

One fatality and 50 hospital cases? Surely criminal charges must follow. Or have we reached a point in SA where there are absolutely no consequences for criminal behaviour?

Report Abuse Author: BigSus Date: 28 January 2013 10:09

People's lives were at stake and no official cared. Since they have an IDC (I-don't-care) attitude it's up to the electronically-connected to spread the word if they even hear a rumour about these health hazards. It's better safe than sorry

Media Center

View MoreTop Stories: News

‘ENOUGH IS ENOUGH’ Charges against Gupta saga cops dropped Illegal school to be closed Language plan fears Owner of pharmacy mourned Teachers: fury over unspent R533m Bay leaders on the carpet over 'anarchy' Varsities to march against violence Bhisho underspending triples Angry scenes in three Bay protests

News Categories

News Sport LifeStyle Letters World

Comment on this article via Facebook

The Herald Port Elizabeth - Inspired by Times Media Group

The Herald Port Elizabeth Digital Media & Marketing Association

Website development and design by Online Innovations