Concerns over an infestation of ticks at Uitenhage’s Strelitzia Dam has prompted ward councillor Pieter Terblanche to call for the municipality to close off the dam and park area to the public.
This follows the death of a Uitenhage woman, Erlene van der Merwe, 66, who Terblanche said frequently walked her dog in the area.
She died after she was bitten by a tick and contracted Rickettsia.
“She was admitted to hospital last Thursday, had shortness of breath, went into a coma and died,” Terblanche said.
The ward 51 councillor said at the moment it was still an allegation that the tick bit her at the dam or park.
Rickettsia (tick bite fever) is caused by a bacterial infection transmitted by ticks.
The bacterium is transmitted in the saliva.
African tick bite fever is usually mild, and death and serious complications extremely uncommon.
Terblanche said he reported the incident to the department of environmental health and it was being treated as urgent.
“I’m waiting on the metro for feedback, but there’s real concern from the residents to close off the area and take the necessary action,” he said.
Municipal spokesperson Mthubanzi Mniki said the municipality had been made aware of the incident.
He said the public health directorate would take appropriate action after a comprehensive investigation and assessment of Van der Merwe’s medical history.
“The investigation will reveal whether the problem originates from the facility or elsewhere,” Mniki said.
“The investigation has begun and the outbreak response team has been notified and dispatched to inspect the area.
“Premature decisions and actions will be avoided.”
Van der Merwe’s family declined to comment.