Typhoid cases rise in Tshwane

The Gauteng Department of Health has warned residents in Tshwane to be on the lookout for symptoms of typhoid fever after new cases were confirmed in the district. Health officials said that while the number of cases this year is lower than last year, people must remain cautious and practice good hygiene to prevent the spread of the disease.

From 1 January to 31 October 2025, a total of 48 cases of typhoid fever have been recorded in the Tshwane district. Of these, 22 cases were reported in Bronkhorstspruit, 17 in Hammanskraal, eight in Pretoria West and one in Pretoria East.

Some of the affected areas in Hammanskraal include Sekampaneng Block C, Kanana Extension 2, Kanana Greenfield, Suurman Section 1, Suurman Ridge, Temba, Unit 7 and Mashimong.

Typhoid fever is caused by the bacterium Salmonella Typhi and can be life-threatening if it is not treated. The infection spreads mainly through food or water contaminated with human waste from someone who has the bacteria. It can also spread if food is prepared by a person who is infected or if crops are watered using contaminated water.

The Gauteng Department of Health urged the public to maintain proper hygiene. “People must wash their hands with soap and safe water before eating or preparing food, after using the toilet or changing a baby’s nappy, and before breastfeeding or bathing children,” the department said. It added that when water is not available, hand sanitizers with at least 60 percent alcohol should be used.

Members of the public who experience fever, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, abdominal pain, headache, loss of appetite, or body aches are urged to visit their nearest clinic or hospital immediately.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Water and Sanitation has praised the swift response by the City of Tshwane, the Department of Water and Sanitation and the National Institute for Communicable Diseases in addressing the outbreak.

Minister Pemmy Majodina said the ministry is working closely with local and provincial authorities to monitor the situation. “We commend the swift action undertaken by the City of Tshwane and all partners involved in responding to the reported cases of typhoid fever,” Majodina said.

She confirmed that early tests have shown that the city’s water supply is not the source of contamination. “From the samples taken by the City of Tshwane in all its water supply systems, including those of Magalies and Rand Water, there has been no detection of Salmonella Typhi bacteria so far,” Majodina said.

The department said that more testing will be conducted. “The Water Research Commission and the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research will assist with further independent monitoring to ensure public safety,” said the department.

Officials have also acknowledged that water supply problems remain in some areas, especially in Bronkhorstspruit, where the local water treatment plant is operating below capacity. The city has committed to restoring full operations and upgrading the facility to improve water supply.

The Ministry said it was concerned that the current typhoid cases were reported in communities that suffered a deadly cholera outbreak in recent years, where several people in Tshwane died after consuming contaminated water.

Residents have been warned not to drink raw or untreated water from rivers, dams, or streams. Authorities said water tankers will continue to be provided in areas where water is scarce.

Health and water officials have urged communities to continue practicing good hygiene, wash hands with soap and clean water, and store water safely to prevent further infections.