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Stomach illness hits Saint Albans Prison and Rhodes University

Published

More than 20 people at Saint Albans Prison have fallen ill, along with staff and students at Rhodes University. Early findings point to contaminated water at the two sites, not the municipal system, and laboratory results are pending.

The Department of Water and Sanitation is investigating the gastrointestinal outbreak. Spokesperson Wisane Mavasa said preliminary findings show the spread is currently concentrated within the university and the prison.

Authorities say the early finding is contamination within the water supply at the university and the prison. They do not blame the municipal distribution system.

Mavasa said: "Laboratory test results of all the samples taken are still pending and will be communicated as soon as they become available."

Key facts

Who
Wisane Mavasa (Department of Water and Sanitation spokesperson); Department of Water and Sanitation (Authority investigating the outbreak)
What
A gastrointestinal outbreak has affected more than 20 people at Saint Albans Prison and staff and students at Rhodes University. Preliminary findings point to contamination within the water supply at the university and prison rather than the municipal distribution system, and laboratory results are pending.
When
22 October 2026
Where
Nelson Mandela Bay, Rhodes University, Saint Albans Prison
Status
Reported

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