Residents warned not to drink tap water after hundreds fall sick near South Africa capital
Summary
More than 400 people near Pretoria, South Africa have fallen sick after drinking contaminated tap water. Health officials found high levels of E. coli and other bacteria in the water and have advised residents not to drink or cook with it.Key Facts
- Over 400 people, mostly children under four, got sick in Tshwane, which includes Pretoria.
- Symptoms reported included stomach cramps and diarrhea.
- Tests found E. coli, norovirus, campylobacter, shigella, and other harmful germs in the water.
- Authorities say the illness is linked to poor water treatment in a local facility.
- Residents have been told only to use tap water for flushing toilets and to use clean water for drinking and cooking.
- Water tankers are being sent to provide safe drinking water.
- Past outbreaks in the area included cholera in 2023 and typhoid cases in 2025, both linked to water issues.
- Officials found that local authorities did not warn residents early about the contaminated water.
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