Preliminary investigations into gastrointestinal illness cases at Rhodes University in Makhanda and St Albans Correctional Centre in Nelson Mandela Bay have pointed to possible contamination within the two facilities’ internal water distribution systems.
The findings follow reports of 111 people falling ill at Rhodes University and 23 inmates at St Albans Correctional Centre, prompting a joint response from government departments and municipal authorities.
The affected individuals reportedly experienced severe abdominal cramps, diarrhoea, vomiting and dehydration, with some requiring treatment at healthcare facilities.
In a joint statement, the Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS), the Eastern Cape Provincial Government, Makana Local Municipality and Nelson Mandela Bay Metropolitan Municipality confirmed that a technical team had been established to investigate the source of the illnesses.
Water samples were collected from Rhodes University’s internal storage and distribution system, the Makana municipal water network and its water treatment works.
At St Albans Correctional Centre, samples were taken from the elevated storage tower through which the prison receives potable water from the Nelson Mandela Bay municipal supply system.
Initial test results indicate that the suspected contamination is within the university and prison water distribution systems, rather than the municipal distribution networks. However, laboratory results from all collected samples are still outstanding.
The investigation is being coordinated by a multi-stakeholder team comprising the DWS, provincial departments of Health and Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, the National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD), Amatola Water, the affected municipalities, Sarah Baartman District Municipality and Rhodes University.
Water and Sanitation Minister Pemmy Majodina and Eastern Cape Premier Oscar Mabuyane led an intergovernmental meeting on Wednesday evening to assess the situation and discuss urgent measures to protect communities.
Authorities have urged anyone experiencing gastrointestinal illness symptoms to seek medical attention early and report suspected cases to their nearest healthcare facility or local health authority.
Residents have also been reminded to wash their hands after using the toilet and before handling food as investigations continue.
The cases add to growing concerns following a separate gastrointestinal illness outbreak in Bronkhorstspruit, in the City of Tshwane, where 408 cases were reported between 7 and 18 October.
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