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Municipal Health

18 March 2024 Media Release: GRDM Municipal Health Services continue to fulfill its role in Knysna and Bitou during March 2024

Media Release: GRDM Municipal Health Services continue to fulfill its role in Knysna and Bitou during March 2024

For immediate release
18 March 2024

During the month of March 2024, Environmental Health Practitioners from Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) continued to fulfill their roll in the respective communities they serve.  Some of the activities in Knysna and Bitou areas included a visit, together with GRDM councillors, to Annie’s Daycare Centre in Rheenendal, a training session at The Crags Bread and Brew restaurant in Bitou, and an awareness session at the Paradise Manor Frail Care Centre in Knysna.

Knysna: GRDM donates mattresses to Annie’s Day Care in Rheenendal and educate children regarding proper hand washing techniques

Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) Portfolio Chairperson for Community Services, Ald. Nompumelelo Ndayi, recently visited Annie’s Day Care centre in Rheenendal near Knysna. Accompanying Cllr Ndayi, were GRDM and Local Ward Councillor, Cllr Hilton Stroebel, as well as officials from the GRDM’s Knysna Municipal Health Services Section.

This crèche opened its doors in 2020, to assist in the need for Early Childhood Development services in the Rheenendal area. In their quest to address these needs, Cllrs Ndayi and Stroebel handed over 18 mattresses to the principal of the crèche after Cllr Stroebel extended a warm welcome to all present who witnessed the proceedings that would ultimately contribute to a healthier and more comfortable learning environment for the children of the facility.

During her address, Ndayi said: “Since the crèche was registered, the facility grew rapidly which resulted in the crèche eventually not having sufficient mattresses for all the children. The principal approached the ward councillor for a possible donation – thank you for approaching us,” she added.

The event was concluded with the GRDM Environmental Health Practitioners led by Lindon Herwels, demonstrating proper hand washing techniques to learners with their caretakers present.

Principal and owner of the crèche, Ms Anne Barends, extended words of appreciation to the GRDM, particularly Ald. Ndayi and Cllr Stroebel for the generous donation to the facility, as well as Linden Herwels for educating the children about proper hand washing techniques.

Bitou: GRDM’s EHPs conducts Health and Hygiene training at Food Premises

Regulation R638 of 2018, under Act 52 of 1972, outlines comprehensive guidelines for food safety and hygiene practices. Together with the guideline, the Regulation also mandates that all food handlers undergo formal training in Health and Hygiene practices.

Garden Route District Environmental Health Practitioners (EHPs) responsible for the Bitou region, recently conducted a training session at one of the restaurants in the area, The Crags Bread and Brew.

The training covered essential topics such as the 5 Keys to Safer Foods, which include hygiene, separating raw and cooked foods, cooking food thoroughly, keeping food at safe temperatures, and using safe water and raw materials.

Moreover, R638 specifies structural requirements for food premises to ensure safe handling and preparation of food. These requirements encompass adequate ventilation, lighting, and drainage systems, as well as provisions for waste disposal and pest control. Additionally, the regulation mandates proper storage facilities, sanitation measures, and equipment maintenance to prevent contamination and ensure food safety.

In summary, Regulation R638 of 2018 underscores the importance of training food handlers in health and hygiene practices, adhering to the 5 Keys to Safer Foods, and maintaining appropriate structural standards in food premises to safeguard public health and promote food safety.

EHPs from GRDM therefore encourages all food premises in the Bitou region to comply with these requirements stipulated in the Regulations to ensure the best possible service to the communities it serve.

Knysna: EHPs from Garden Route District Municipality conduct Health and Hygiene Session at Frail Care Centre

Environmental Health Practitioners (EHPs) from Garden Route District Municipality’s (GRDM’s) Municipal Health Services section in Knysna recently conducted and presented a Health and Hygiene education session to the staff of Paradise Manor Frail Care Centre.

The following information was presented to the staff, including food safety covering the five (5) keys to safer food; the prevention of food borne illnesses; all food handlers and Care Takers partook in the session and water quality (The premises is situated in a rural area and the treatment of water to ensure it complies with SANS 241:2015, formed part of the training). The session also included talks about safe storage and disposal of medical waste on the premises.

The owner, manager, caretakers, maintenance staff, as well as food handlers attended and participated in the session.

Feature Image: GRDM Environmental Health Practitioners, Linden Herwels, demonstrating proper hand washing techniques to a learner during their visit to Annie’s Daycare Centre.

ENDS

09 February 2024 Media Release: GRDM Environmental Health Practitioners Conducted Health Education at Kuyasa Clinic, Zone 9, Thembalethu.

Media Release: GRDM Environmental Health Practitioners Conducted Health Education at Kuyasa Clinic, Zone 9, Thembalethu.

For immediate release
09 February 2024

At the end of January 2024, the Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) Environmental Health Practitioners (EHP), Yonwaba Sifo and Ivy Mamegwa visited Kuyasa Clinic located in Zone 9, Thembalethu. The purpose of the visit was to inform and educate clinic visitors about Typhoid fever.

According to Ivy Mamegwa, “Typhoid fever is one of the notifiable medical conditions in South Africa. It is caused by Salmonella Typhi. The disease is spread through faecal oral contamination and can be transmitted from person to person by direct contact or through ingestion of contaminated food or water. The importance of hand-washing was also emphasized”.

During the presentation, more than 50 patients were reached.  To those present, the GRDM EHPs demonstrated effective and correct hand washing techniques. They also taught the public what typhoid fever is, the causative agent, its symptoms, and how to prevent it. Common symptoms of Typhoid fever include: Headache, abdominal pains, nausea, vomiting, constipation or diarrhea etc.

The three most effective methods of preventing typhoid are:

  • Adherence to strict hand washing with soap and water after using the toilet and before handling food;
  • Provision of safe water; and
  • Adequate sanitation.

EHP Yonwaba Sifo said: “Typhoid fever patients should practice strict hand hygiene and should not prepare food until they have been proven to be infection-free”.

                                 Caption: EHPs  busy demonstrating the proper techniques of hand-washing.

-END-

29 January 2024 Media Release: Cholera:  A disease nobody should die from

Media Release: Cholera:  A disease nobody should die from

For immediate release
29 January 2024

As of 15 January 2024, the Cholera outbreak has affected various countries in Eastern and Southern Africa with more than 200 000 positive cases and 3000 deaths reported. Since the start of the outbreak in Zimbabwe during February 2023, more than eighteen thousand (18 000) cases were reported, with seventy-one (71) confirmed deaths and more than three hundred (300) suspected deaths.

South Africa is on high alert after two cases of cholera were reported in the Limpopo province. Both are suspected to be imported cases.

What is Cholera?

Cholera is a diarrhoeal infection/disease caused by the ingestion of food or water contaminated with Vibrio cholerae. The disease can cause large outbreaks and epidemics. An epidemic is a sudden outbreak of disease that affects a large number of people in a particular region, community, or population in a short period.

Cholera outbreaks are usually associated with unsafe water sources, and poor sanitation and hygiene infrastructures, thus affecting those living in informal settlements or in displacement camps.

Symptoms of Cholera

The infection is usually mild or without symptoms, but it can be severe and life-threatening. In severe cases, an infected person will experience severe symptoms, which include:

  • profuse watery diarrhoea, sometimes described as “rice-water stools”
  • vomiting
  • thirst
  • leg cramps
  • restlessness or irritability
  • An infected person can also develop severe dehydration which, if left untreated can lead to kidney failure, shock, coma, and ultimately death. During this period, the stools contain large amounts of the bacterium which increase the risk of transmission.

How is Cholera transmitted?

The mode of transmission for cholera is usually water contaminated with human faeces from an infected person, which can either have a direct route (drinking contaminated water) or an indirect route (eating contaminated food).

Important to remember:

  • Water can be contaminated at the source, during storage or use.
  • Food products can be contaminated when washed or rinsed off in contaminated water or fertilised with human faeces.
  • The bacteria can also be transmitted by soiled hands to water or food. Person-to-person spread is not common but can happen in rare cases.
  • Fish, especially shellfish harvested from contaminated water sources and eaten raw or not cooked properly, can also pose a serious risk.

What is the incubation period?

The incubation period refers to the period from when a person ingests water/food contaminated with the cholera bacterium to when they first become ill.

The incubation period for cholera ranges from a few hours to 5 days (usually 2 – 3 days). The incubation period of cholera is short, therefore any delays in implementing relevant control measures, as well as the provision of proper water and sanitation services can result in explosive outbreaks.

How to prevent Cholera

The most important aspects to minimise and prevent the spread of cholera are as follows.

  • Use safe water for drinking and household purposes.
  • Wash hands on a regular basis using soap and water.
  • Clean and disinfect toilets before use. If there is no access to toilet facilities, do not defecate close to or in water sources and bury your faeces.
  • Wash fruit and vegetables with safe water, but if not possible, peel it.
  • Do not eat raw seafood sourced from contaminated water sources.

As part of the Cholera Prevention and Control Programme, Garden Route District Municipality is constantly conducting Moore pad sampling of the water sources across the district. Furthermore, health and hygiene education programmes will be conducted in the various regions.  Public awareness is also paramount in minimising the spread and the prevention and control of communicable diseases; therefore, it is important that the organisation utilises its local media platforms to educate the public regarding diseases such as cholera.

Did you know?

  • A Moore pad is multiple layers of surgical gauze connected to a piece of string or wire to allow the pad to be fixed in a flowing stream of sewage or water. The pad is left in the water stream for a period of 24-72 hours to “filter” microorganisms. Thereafter, the pad is immersed in double strength alkaline-peptone broth and submitted to the laboratory for analysis.

The following methods can be used to treat the water that we use on a daily basis for drinking and household purposes, by:

Boiling the water?

  1. Filter the water using a clean cloth or towel if it was collected from a river or stream. This is to remove soil, leaves or any other large particles from the water.
  2. Bring the water to a rolling boil for at least 1 – 3 minutes. Boiling kills the pathogens in the water.
  3. Allow the water to cool down and store in containers with close fitting lids.

Disinfect water using household bleach

Important: When using household bleach make sure that it has a sodium hypochlorite concentration of at least 6% – 8.25% (See the label of the product for details).

  1. Use a clean bottle or container to disinfect the water.
  2. Filter the water, by using a clean cloth or towel to remove any visible dirt or particles.
  3. Use the following measuring instructions for the addition of bleach to water.

[5ml bleach to 20 litres of water] – 5ml of bleach = 100 drops (using a medicine dropper)

Therefore: 20 drops to 4litre water

                   10 drops to 2litre water

  1. Mix the water well and let it stand for 30 minutes (Water should have a slight chlorine smell, if not add the same amount of bleach to the water and let it stand for 2 hours.

For more information or report any related symptoms, contact the following GRDM offices within the Garden Route:

Region Person in Charge Contact Number Address
Klein Karoo Region & Kannaland Region Desmond Paulse
Manager: Municipal Health (Klein Karoo)
Tel: 044 272 2241 / Cell: 083 678 6530 Address: 94 St John Street, Oudtshoorn
Mossel Bay Monique Anthony
Acting Chief Municipal Health
Tell: 044 693 0006 /
Cell: 061 445 1932
C/O Sampson & Marling Street, Ext 23, Mossel Bay.
George Outeniqua Emmy Douglas
Chief: Municipal Health (Outeniqua)
Tel: 044 803 1501 / Cell: 078 457 2824 Mission Street, Industrial Area, George, 6530
George

Wilderness

Khanyisa Shoto
Acting Chief: Municipal Health
Tel: 044 803 1599 / Cell:071 883 6335 Mission Street, Industrial Area, George, 6530
Knysna Region James McCarthy
Chief: Knysna
Tel: 044 382 7214 /
Cell: 082 805 9417
26A Queen Street, Knysna

 

Bitou Region Gawie Vos
Chief: Lakes (Bitou)
Tell: 044 501 1600 / Cell: 083 557 1522 4 Virginia Street, Plettenberg Bay, 6600
Hessequa Region Haemish Herwels Chief: Hessequa Tel: 028 713 2438 / Cell: 083 678 6545 24 Michell Street, Riversdale, 6670
Johan Compion
Manager: Municipal Health & Environmental Services
E-mail: info@gardenroute.gov.za
Tel: 044 803 1300 / Cell: 082 803 5161

ENDS

22 January 2024 Media Release: Garden Route District Municipality provides ongoing support to the Kannaland Municipal area

Media Release: Garden Route District Municipality provides ongoing support to the Kannaland Municipal area

For Immediate Release
22 January 2024

The Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) continues to deliver a comprehensive list of services to the Kannaland municipal area. For example, from October to December 2023, the following services were rendered – inspection of food premises, health surveillance of premises, water sampling, advice in terms of the upgrading of the Zoar Sewage Pump Station and Oxidation ponds, air quality monitoring and disaster management support.

111 Inspection at Food Premises: A total of 111 inspections were conducted by GRDM Environmental Health Practitioners (EHP) across various food establishments, including restaurants, informal food traders, dairy farms, supermarkets, soup kitchens, butcheries, spaza shops, and others.

457 Health Surveillance of Premises: GRDM EHPs conducted 457 inspections at locations including waste facilities, water treatment plants, illegal dump sites, old age homes, childcare facilities, and more to ensure compliance with health and safety standards.

34 Water Samples taken: EHPs took an additional 34 water samples, encompassing drinking water, river water, and final sewage effluent.

Routine Water Quality Sampling: EHPs routinely assessed water reticulation systems and wastewater treatment works, ensuring compliance with national standards and addressing non-compliance promptly to protect public health and the environment.

Zoar Sewage Pump Station and Oxidation Ponds: GRDM assisted with the upgrading of the Zoar sewage infrastructure, significantly reducing pollution in the Nels River.

Air quality monitoring of Ladismith Waste Water Treatment Works: Following an offensive odour complaint, GRDM’s Air Quality unit initiated an investigation leading to several interventions.

Calitzdorp Water Treatment Works: GRDM assisted in identifying and rectifying non-compliance issues at the Calitzdorp water treatment plant, which led to improved drinking water quality.

Disaster Management Interventions for Water Crisis: In response to the current water crisis in Calitzdorp as well as rural areas provided with water from the Klein Karoo Rural Water Supply Scheme (KKRWSS)  the GRDM Disaster Management Services provided 28 X 5500L water tanks to ensure accessible potable water for communities in these water-stressed areas. This was reported earlier in December 2023.  

ENDS

11 January 2024 Media Statement: Garden Route District Municipality successfully defends Atmospheric Emission Licence Decision in Court

Media Statement: Garden Route District Municipality successfully defends Atmospheric Emission Licence Decision in Court

For immediate release
11 January 2024

During 2021, the Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) Air Quality unit received an application for an Atmospheric Emission Licence (AEL) from Rooikat Recycling (Pty) Ltd for a proposed waste-to-energy pilot plant in Great Brak River, Mossel Bay district. The granting of the licence was also subjected to Environmental Authorisation (EA), with the competent authority being the Department of Environmental Affairs and Development Planning: Waste Directorate. The Environmental Authorisation and atmospheric emissions licencing processes ran concurrently. Two public participation processes were conducted, one for the EA and one for the AEL process. Sharples was appointed by the Applicant (Rooikat Recycling (Pty) Ltd to facilitate the applications as well as the public participation process, as required by legislation.

The Rooikat (PTY) Ltd Recycling Plant in Great Brak River.

From the onset, the application drew a lot of public attention. Several Great Brak River residents were concerned about the effect of the facility on their health and well-being.

The decision to grant the licence was based on various factors as guided by Section 39 of the National Environmental Management: Air Quality Act, 2004 (Act 39 of 2004).  The effect of the facility on the health and well-being of the residents were, amongst others, guided through an air quality impact report done by Lethabo Air Quality Specialists. This study indicated the emissions to be negligible and within the minimum emission limits of the specific licence categories and not exceeding the South African Ambient Air Quality Standards.

The Department granted Environmental Authorisation to Rooikat Recycling (Pty) Ltd after which the GRDM granted the Provisional Atmospheric Emissions Licence. Both these authorisations were, however, suspended due to two appeals lodged, one appeal by the Great Brak River Ratepayers Association.  The appeals were rejected by the Western Cape MEC and the GRDM Municipal Manager (the respective appeal authorities).

The issuing of the Provisional Atmospheric Emission Licence to Rooikat Recycling (Pty) Ltd then took effect.

A resident of Great Brak River, Mr Evert de Lange (refer to Mossel Bay Advertiser article of 29 July 2022 (Munisipaliteite en Wes-Kaap MEC voor hof gedaag oor Rooikat) then lodged a case, case 254/22, on 12 July 2022 at the High Court in George against, amongst others, the Garden Route District Municipality (First Respondent). There were multiple complaints, but in essence his complaint was that the GRDM did not follow due process in terms of Public Participation.

Stadler and Swart was appointed to represent the GRDM with its defence.

The Municipality’s issuing of the AEL to Rooikat was an administrative decision.  Although not articulated as such in the Plaintiffs Particulars of Claim (POC), the Plaintiff’s challenge to the public participation process leading to the AEL is, in substance, a review under the Promotion of Administrative Justice Act, 2000 (PAJA).

Section 7(1) of PAJA requires reviews of administrative action to be instituted within 180 calendar days.  Here the Plaintiff did not exercise internal remedies before instituting PAJA application and the lapse of time between the Municipality’s appeal decision and the date of summons exceeded 180 days.

Section 38(2) makes section 24 of the National Environmental Management Act (NEMA) applicable to applications for atmospheric emissions licenses.  Similarly, section 24(1A)(c) of NEMA places the sole responsibility for the public participation process on the applicant.

The Plaintiff’s averments that the Municipality failed in a duty to conduct the public participation process, is also legally unsustainable.  The Municipality plays no role in the public participation process; it evaluates the process as part of an atmospheric emissions license application.

On 28 November 2023 in the High Court of South Africa, Eastern circuit, local division, George, Honourable Judge Erasmus ordered that:

  1. The Plaintiff withdraws its claim against the Defendants.

  2. That the Plaintiff pays the First Defendant`s (GRDM) cost on a party-to-party scale, either taxed or as agreed.

  3. Third Defendant (MEC) did not seek an order for cost.

This order closes the Rooikat case. The ruling was in essence based on the fact that the Judge had insurmountable problems with Mr De Lange`s locus standi. The case should not have been referred to the court as Mr de Lange did not exhaust the internal remedies to address his concerns. That is: did not partake in the public participation process, did not object or appeal within these processes and, also, did not use the PAJA process within the 180 days.

It is also important to note that the Air Quality unit followed all the correct procedures to deal with the application.

District Manager for Air Quality Control at GRDM, Dr Johann Schoeman, highlighted: “The project is operational –  all start-up tests have been concluded and an official commission date was determined and communicated to the Air Quality unit in terms of its Provisional Atmospheric Emissions Licence”.

Schoeman further stated that “a continuous emissions monitoring system is recording their emissions, and the monitoring reports are submitted to the Air Quality unit. There are no exceedances at this stage. All relevant conditions are being complied with. Complaints in the Great Brak River area are not attributed to the Rooikat Recycling project and the conclusion is that the Rooikat Recycling Project does not have a detrimental impact on the environmental and the health of the receptors”.

ENDS

12 December 2023 Media Release: Potable water quality in the Garden Route is better than the norms of South Africa

Media Release: Potable water quality in the Garden Route is better than the norms of South Africa

For Immediate Release
12 December 2023

Recently the National Department of Water and Sanitation published the Blue Drop, Green Drop, and No Drop Water reports in South Africa for 2023. This report revealed the dire state of affairs when it comes to safe and clean drinking water in South Africa.

Of particular concern is the status quo in terms of potable water purification plants, identified as one of the main reasons for general water quality failing quality standards, this report cited the lack of technical and managerial capacity and competency as a major contributor.

The Blue Drop report indicated that the water supply across the country requires an additional four hundred qualified staff (203 technical staff and 197 scientists). It also found that about 67% of water treatment staff had no formal skills training and qualifications at all to operate at a water treatment site.

Load shedding also has a major negative impact on the functionality and day-to-day operations of water purification plants. Why? Because the pumping, treatment, and ultimate distribution of potable water are severely affected during extended periods of load shedding.

Where do Environmental Health Practitioners (EHP) fit in?

A district municipality is mandated to render municipal health services in its particular area of jurisdiction. One of the most important focus areas of EHPs is water quality monitoring.

Water monitoring includes the following:

  • Mapping of water sampling sites;
  • Water sampling and analysis;
  • Establishing if adequate water provision is available to all communities (rural and urban);
  • Report back and communication regarding sample results (water service authority / non-water service authority); and
  • Mitigation measures (including health and hygiene awareness / applicable legislative law enforcement);

Water sampling sites include the following:

  • Drinking water reservoirs;
  • Water purification plants;
  • Communal taps;
  • Business premises;
  • Other identified areas;

Hundreds of water samples are taken every month in every local municipal area within the Garden Route. This includes the status of potable water supply to all communities.2

The outcomes of water samples are communicated to each local municipality in the region.

The region’s potable water quality is of a high quality in comparison with the national norm. Water sampling programs, as well as all the other water-related activities implemented by the EHPs, are purpose-driven and outcome-based in order to secure water safety in the district.

Feature Image: Shutterstock

ENDS

08 December 2023 Media Release: GRDM and partners conduct Clean-up, Education and Awareness campaign in Mossel Bay

Media Release: GRDM and partners conduct Clean-up, Education and Awareness campaign in Mossel Bay 

For immediate release
08 December 2023

The Waste Management Section of Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM), in collaboration with the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and Environment’s Local Government Support Section, CapeNature, Mossel Bay Municipality, Henque Waste, Transnet, Nestle and Aquelle, conducted a Clean-up Campaign in Ward 15 of Mossel Bay.

Children from Ward 15 in Mossel Bay, formed part of the Clean-up operation in their area.

The aim of the campaign was to raise awareness about illegal dumping and the ‘Adopt a Spot Program’ for community vegetable gardens and the need for their conservation.

One of the most pressing issues facing our communities is Illegal dumping, particularly understanding how recycling waste works. The campaign encourages members of the community to take part in the clean-up campaign and to not dump waste illegally.  Community members were encouraged to continue with their efforts to keep their spaces clean and they were informed about the importance of community gardens as part of the Program.

The clean-up campaign was conducted after the education and awareness session. A special message of appreciation was extended to all the organisations that were involved to ensure a clean environment for those living in visiting the area.

Did you know?

  • Dumped waste may contain harmful or even toxic substances, which may have health effects such as asthma or respiratory infections on humans.
  • The illegally dumped items might include needles that may be contaminated with HIV or Hepatitis. This is a big concern, especially for children who often pick up items while playing. This threatens their health since they may become infected with these life-threatening diseases.
  • Illegal dumping sites may also be favourable breeding conditions for Ecoli, which may also spread diseases to communities.
  • If there is significant unlawful dumping in certain areas, the chances for the spread of diseases increase dramatically.

Feature image: Representatives from GRDM, the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and Environment’s Local Government Support Section, CapeNature, Mossel Bay Municipality, Henque Waste, Transnet, Nestle and Aquelle, with members of the community, during the Clean-up Campaign in Ward 15 of Mossel Bay. 

ENDS

05 December 2023 Media Release: Your Guide to Festive Food Safety

Media Release: Your Guide to Festive Food Safety

For immediate release
5 December 2023

Food has to be fit for humans to eat and must conform to safety requirements as prescribed by law and the World Health Organisation (WHO).

Load shedding occurs often in South Africa and these power outages have a direct impact on food safety. Three (3) factors that have a direct impact on food are the length of the outage, how often it occurs and where food is stored. Food safety issues, including spoiling, are especially likely to occur with perishable goods such as fresh meat, poultry, fish, soft cheeses, milk, and leftover food (depending on how long they were stored before load shedding started).

Critical facts to remember

As long as it is cold, food should be safe. Food in a refrigerator may be safe as long as:

  • Power outages do not last longer than four hours.
  • The fridge door is kept closed and not opened often.
  • The temperature of the refrigerator was at 4 °C when load-shedding started.

If a freezer door is kept closed, frozen food will stay frozen for up to 48 hours. Perishable food must be cooked as soon as possible if they begin to defrost. Refreezing perishable food is dangerous.

If the load-shedding schedule is known, one can prepare for it as follows:

  • Ensure that the temperature in the refrigerator is 4 °C or as near to it as possible.
  • Frozen leftovers, milk, fresh meat and poultry, fish, and other goods should be moved from the fridge to the freezer that you might not need right away.
  • Buy fresh food in smaller quantities, prepare it fast, and enjoy it instead of buying it in bulk and storing it in the fridge.
  • Take special note of purchasing long-lasting items, such as unopened canned foods and sterile or ultra-heat heated temperature drinks. These have a lengthy shelf-life outside of the fridge, however, once they’re opened, they too need to be chilled.
  • Another method used to keep perishable goods as cold as possible for as long as possible, is to place ice packs around the items in the fridge.

THE CONSUMER’S ROLE

Given the price of food, one is hesitant to discard food but the risks associated with eating unsafe food is very high. Some perishables might not necessarily smell or taste strange, but may be filled with bacteria that cause foodborne illnesses. Consumers must buy food at food premises that was issued with a Certificate of Acceptability (CoA), where they trade. A CoA is issued by an EHP and must be displayed in a place at the food premises for the public to see. If this is not possible, it must be immediately available on request from customers.

LABELLING

Consumers must look at the labelling and date marking of foodstuffs to make informed decisions regarding the foodstuffs they want to buy. It is important to understand that date marking is a best practice in the food industry and help to protect both food quality and food safety. Pre-packed food must be labelled in accordance with the Regulations relating to the labelling and advertising of foodstuffs, R146 of 1 March 2010.

Click here to read more about fake food and food labelling.

Follow these five keys to safer food.

For further information, please contact:

Mr. Johan Compion, Manager: Municipal Health & Environmental Services,

E-mail: info@gardenroute.gov.za Tel: 044 803 1300 / 082 803 5161

28 November 2023 Media Release: Environmental Health Practitioners educate inmates at Uniondale Correctional Service facility about Diphtheria (Witseerkeel)

Media Release: Environmental Health Practitioners educate inmates at Uniondale Correctional Service facility about Diphtheria (Witseerkeel)

For immediate release
28 November 2023

On 21 November 2023, Environmental Health Practitioners (EHPs) from the Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) Municipal Health Services serving the Outeniqua region, conducted Health and Hygiene education at the Uniondale Correctional Services facility.

Approximately sixty-eight (68) inmates and 3 staff members of the Uniondale Correctional Services were made aware of what  (Witseerkeel) is and how the bacterial disease is transmitted from one person to another. More topics that were covered include the signs and symptoms, as well as how the disease is treated.

Environmental Health Practitioner at Garden Route District Municipality, Janine Koopman (left), with Staff (middle) and the Acting Head of the Uniondale Correctional Services facility, Mr Siebert van Rensburg (right), soon after the session.

During an interview with the Acting Head of the Uniondale Correctional Services, Mr Siebert van Rensburg, it was established that there are currently no existing cases of Diphtheria at the facility.  It was also confirmed that a representative from the Western Cape Department of Health conducts screening tests with every new inmate before admission to the facility. Although family members are allowed to have contact visits with inmates, they are screened prior to these visits and are restricted from entering the facilities should they show any signs and symptoms of communicable diseases.

The facility is utilising the same system that were implemented during the Covid-19 pandemic. Furthermore, inmates are therefore also not allowed to attend funerals of family members who passed away due to a communicable disease.

Continuous hand and hygiene sessions will be conducted at similar facilities within the Garden Route district by EHPs from the GRDM.

Did you know?

Diphtheria, also known as “Witseerkeel” is a bacterial disease caused by infection. It is a vaccine-preventable disease, however a drop in vaccine coverage could potentially lead to increased numbers of cases. Diphtheria is preventable by vaccination given at 6, 10, 14 weeks, with booster doses given at 18 months, 6 years, and 12 years of age. It usually affects:

  • The upper respiratory tract mucosa.
  • The skin, and rarely other sites (including the eyes, ears or genitals).

It can cause local tissue damage (with inflammation, ulceration, oedema and a pseudo membrane/ grey, thick layer inside throat and mouth) and can be absorbed into the bloodstream (affecting the heart, nervous system or kidneys).

What are the signs and symptoms of Diphtheria (Witseerkeel)?

Signs and symptoms start to show after 2- 5 days from becoming infected. Signs and symptoms include:

  • Mildly painful tonsillitis/ pharyngitis.
  • A thick, grey membrane covering the throat and tonsils.
  • A sore throat and hoarseness.
  • Swollen glands (enlarged lymph nodes) in the neck.
  • Difficulty breathing or rapid breathing.
  • Nasal discharge.
  • Fever and chills.
  • Tiredness.

Although some infected people may not show any signs or symptoms, they can still transmit the disease.

How is Diphtheria (Witseerkeel) transmitted?

  • Via ingestion of large respiratory droplets through coughing or sneezing.
  • Direct contact with an infected person through skin lesions or intercourse with an infected person.
  • Touching surfaces that are contaminated with the bacteria.

ENDS

20 October 2023 Media Release: Low Risk of Human Infection related to Avian Influenza Outbreak in South Africa

Media Release: Low Risk of Human Infection Related to Avian Influenza Outbreak in South Africa

Date Issued: Friday, 13 October 2023

Low Risk of Human Infection Related to Avian Influenza Outbreak in South Africa. A number of poultry farms in South Africa are experiencing outbreaks of avian influenza. Avian influenza is a highly contagious viral infection that affects poultry and wild birds.

Currently, two different strains are causing avian influenza outbreaks in South Africa, these are influenza A(H5N1) and influenza A(H7N6).

According to the Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development (DALRD), the current influenza A(H5N1) outbreaks have been ongoing since April 2023 and to date, 10 outbreaks in poultry (Western Cape and KwaZulu-Natal) and 39 outbreaks in non-poultry birds (Western Cape, KwaZulu-Natal, Eastern Cape, Gauteng, Mpumalanga and North West provinces) have been reported. The influenza A(H7N6) outbreaks have been ongoing since June 2023, and to date, 50 outbreaks to date have been reported in poultry farms (Free State, Gauteng, Mpumalanga, Limpopo, North West and KwaZulu-Natal provinces) and non-poultry birds in Gauteng.

Internationally, sporadic cases of influenza A(H5N1) infection have been reported in humans, related to outbreaks in birds but infection in humans remains very rare. Globally, only 8 cases of influenza A(H5N1) in humans have been reported to the World Health Organization (WHO) in 2023, despite large outbreaks in poultry and wild birds across the globe. These cases have been linked to close contact with infected birds (handling, culling, slaughtering or processing). Current circulating strains of avian influenza have not been shown to transmit from person to person. The risk of transmission of influenza A(H5N1) and influenza A(H7N6) from infected birds to humans is extremely low.

In the uncommon instance where avian influenza is transmitted to humans, the most common route of transmission of avian influenza is airborne, through aerosolisation of virus particles from live birds or during the culling process. Poultry products including commercially available eggs, and fresh and frozen chickens are safe to consume. Any persons with known or suspected close contact with dead or sick birds (especially birds with confirmed A(H5N1) or A(H7N6) infection) and who presents with upper or lower respiratory tract symptoms (cough, runny nose, scratchy throat, or pneumonia) and/or conjunctivitis should be investigated. This should include the collection of respiratory samples (detailed below) and testing for avian influenza. All exposed individuals should be monitored for 14 days for respiratory symptoms and encouraged to seek care as soon as possible after the onset of symptoms. Clusters of three or more cases of severe respiratory illness (hospitalisation or death) which are epidemiologically linked should also be investigated even if there is no documented bird or poultry exposure.

Clinicians who suspect avian influenza infection in their patients should contact the National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD) doctor on to discuss the case before a sample is collected. Nasal or nasopharyngeal swab/s (preferably a flocked swab) should be collected from the patient. The swab/s are placed in viral or universal transport media (VTM,UTM). If two swabs are collected they can be placed in the same tube of VTM/UTM. Samples may be stored in the fridge (2-8°C) until submitted in a cooler box with ice packs to (NICD) for testing (preferably within 72 hours of collection). Please complete the case investigation form and laboratory request form in the link below to accompany the sample.

Persons who are in contact with live or dead birds, especially those in the poultry industry are advised to wear personal protective equipment including safety goggles, gloves, boot covers, disposable aprons/clothing (fluid resistant), disposable head covers and masks (N95) capable of preventing inhalation of aerosolised virus particles. Handwashing with disinfectant soap after contact with poultry or birds is essential.

The public health response remains; prevention of avian influenza at source (biosecurity at farms, good hygiene and vaccination of poultry in some situations), rapid detection, reporting and response to animal outbreaks and strengthening of surveillance in animals and humans (including collaborations with animal and human health sectors). In addition, laboratory confirmation of the strains involved (PCR and sequencing) and sharing of genetic
sequencing data is important.

The following resources are available on the NICD webpage
(https://www.nicd.ac.za/diseases-a-z-index/avian-influenza/)

  1. Avian influenza guidance: https://www.nicd.ac.za/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Avian-Influenza-Guidance_Nov-2022-002.pdf
  2. Standard operating procedures for the collection of nasal swabs:
    https://www.nicd.ac.za/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/SOP_collectionofNasalOPSwabs_20221104.pdf
  3. Avian influenza case investigation forms: https://www.nicd.ac.za/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Case-Investigation-form-Avian-Influenza-_November-2022.pdf
  4. Avian influenza screening and case definitions: https://www.nicd.ac.za/wpcontent/uploads/2022/11/Screening-and-Case-Definition_Avian-influenza_Nov-2022.pdf
  5. Avian influenza frequently asked questions https://www.nicd.ac.za/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/NICD-Avian-influenza-FAQ_final1-1.pdf

DALRD is providing veterinary support including diagnostics, surveillance and control measures. Farmers who suspect infection in their poultry/ birds should notify the local provincial Veterinary office or Extension officer who will visit the farm, investigate the incident and collect samples from the birds to rule out the disease.

References:

  1. https://www.gov.za/speeches/update-highly-pathogenic-avian-influenza-outbreaks-25-sep-2023-00003
  2. https://www.who.int/news/item/12-07-2023-ongoing-avian-influenza-outbreaks-in-animals-pose-risk-to-humans
  3. https://www.who.int/publications/m/item/cumulative-number-of-confirmed-human-cases-
  4. https://www.cdc.gov/flu/avianflu/h5/worker-protection-ppe.htm

For enquiries contact: Media@nicd.ac.za

Issued by: National Institute for Communicable Diseases

ENDS