Issued by: SA Communication Service
The outbreak of congo viral haemorrhagic fever that occurred in the first week of November in OUdtshoorn in the Western Cape Province is under control. Eighteen patients from Oudtshoorn were admitted to the Tygerberg Hospital's infectious diseases unit. One patient died as a result of the disease. All the patients are workers at the Ostrich Slaughter House in Oudtshoorn. The outbreak is attributed to the exposure of workers at the abbattoir to blood of infected ostriches during the viraemic stage in the birds. All patients were kept in isolation, and strict infection control practices were adhered to at Oudtshoorn and Tygerberg Hospitals. Since early action was taken by the health authorities, the outbreak and the spread of the disease has been contained.
INFORMATION FOR TRAVELLERS
There is at present no immediate risk of the outbreak spreading since no new cases have been detected. There are no restrictions on travellers to or from Oudtshoorn.
Further information regarding the Congo fever outbreak in Oudtshoorn can be obtained from Dr Lilian Dudley (021-948 8151).
ENQUIRIES: MIRANDA DU PLESSIS/LULU SEBAKE TELEPHONE: (012) 312-0177/6
18 November 1996