CAPE TOWN ON ALERT FOR WATERBORNE DISEASES

The City of Cape Town Disaster Management Team stated on 16 July 2009 that it is attempting to prevent an outbreak of waterborne diseases after heavy rains caused massive flooding in the city. Reports indicate that the flooding damaged more than 60 informal settlements in the city, affecting 20,000 people and 6,500 residences. The disaster management team is conducting ongoing water checks in the affected communities to ensure that the water is safe and free from contaminants. Diarrheal waterborne diseases, such as E. coli, pose the greatest risk, and residents have been advised not to drink, walk, or play in standing water