Health authorities are investigating an illness reported among 111 students and staff members at Rhodes University in Makhanda, Eastern Cape.
The affected individuals have experienced symptoms associated with gastrointestinal illness, including diarrhoea, vomiting and stomach pain.
Concerns have also emerged over the university’s water quality following initial laboratory tests. The results reportedly detected E. coli, elevated coliform bacteria levels and low chlorine levels in water samples.
However, investigators have not established whether the water is linked to the reported illnesses. Further investigations are needed to determine the source of the outbreak.
University Steps Up Precautionary Measures
Rhodes University is working with health authorities, environmental health practitioners, municipal officials and water specialists to establish what caused the illness.
As a precaution, the university has made bottled drinking water available to students. It has also taken steps to raise awareness about food safety and measures to reduce the risk of further illness.
Some students who developed severe symptoms required hospital treatment. Reports indicate that they have since returned to campus.
The investigation is continuing as officials work to establish whether the cases share a common source.
Students Advised to Take Precautions
The situation has raised concerns about the safety of drinking water and the importance of maintaining proper hygiene in university residences and other shared facilities.
Students and staff are encouraged to follow the university’s latest safety instructions and use water confirmed to be safe for drinking and food preparation.
Where authorities advise that water may be unsafe, people should use bottled water or follow official instructions on treating drinking water.
Anyone experiencing persistent vomiting, diarrhoea or other concerning symptoms should seek medical assistance. Replacing lost fluids is also important to help prevent dehydration.
Health officials are expected to continue investigating the reported cases and assessing the water quality as they work to establish the cause of the illness.
