More than 500 fall ill in Tshwane, with children worst affected
By the AFREEQUE newsroom, based on Sabcnews
More than 500 people fell ill after chlorine treatment failed at the Bronkhorstspruit water plant in Tshwane, and children have been most affected, according to South African Health Minister Aaron Motsoaledi. The range of ages among those who fell ill points authorities towards water contamination rather than food contamination, while the investigation continues.
More than 500 people have fallen ill in Tshwane, South Africa, after water chlorination stopped at the Bronkhorstspruit treatment plant. Children have been more affected than adults, Health Minister Aaron Motsoaledi told the parliamentary health committee, according to Sabcnews.
Those affected range in age from one month to 60 years. This distribution has led health authorities to favour water contamination rather than food contamination, as not all the patients shared the same meals, according to Aaron Motsoaledi.
Tshwane Mayor Nasiphi Moya suspended the head of the Bronkhorstspruit plant on Friday, after chlorine treatment stopped without residents being informed. The announcement follows the first 408 cases linked to untreated water, reported on 20 October, and then the suspension of the plant manager.
