{
  "id": 16606096,
  "title": "Bronkhorstspruit gastrointestinal cases rises to 833",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/26/bronkhorstspruit-gastrointestinal-cases-rises-to-833",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-10-26T13:19:24.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "SABC News",
    "slug": "sabc-news",
    "url": "https://www.sabcnews.com/sabcnews/bronkhorstspruit-gastrointestinal-cases-rises-to-833/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "In Bronkhorstspruit, a town east of Pretoria, reports of gastrointestinal illness have surged to 833 cases. Notably, 328 of these patients are children under the age of four. Health officials attribute the outbreak to contaminated water in the region. Water and Sanitation Minister Pemmy Majodina addressed the media at the Bronkhorstspruit District Hospital, stating that the number of patients admitted to the hospital since October 7 has not surpassed three. The minister explained that this indicates the severity of the illness is relatively low, as those affected received hydration and then returned home without requiring further treatment. Deputy President Paul Mashatile, also present at the briefing, expressed concerns about private water tanker suppliers. He assured residents that safe drinking water would be provided, despite the closure of the local water treatment plant. Arrangements have been made for citizens to obtain water from alternative sources. The city continues to supply water, ensuring no one goes without it while the plant undergoes repairs.",
  "summary": "Three hundred and twenty-eight of the ill are children.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}