The Portfolio Committee on Health has expressed concerns about the outbreak of diarrhoea in Nelspruit.

Thirty two pupils were reportedly rushed to a local hospital. Eleven of the 32 pupils were admitted. Chairperson for the Committee, Dr Bevan Goqwana, welcomed the Mpumalanga Health Department’s decision to probe the outbreak. “As the Committee, we will closely monitor the situation,” said Dr Goqwana. He added: “Diarrhoea can have devastating effects. We laud the measures taken by the local health authorities to keep the outbreak under control”.

Meanwhile, Dr Goqwana wished the Minister of Health, Dr Aaron Motsoaledi, a speedy recovery, “We welcome the initiative by the Minister to lead by example. By going to a government institution this indicates he (Minister) has faith in the sector that he oversees”. The Minister was admitted to the Steve Biko Academic Hospital on Tuesday for a planned surgical procedure.