Gastro outbreak at Rhodes hits 111 cases: the official advice
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The Eastern Cape Department of Health says 111 cases of gastroenteritis among Rhodes University students and staff in Makhanda had been reported by 21 October 2026 (Algoa FM). The cause has not been confirmed, and provincial health teams, the Makana Municipality and the university are investigating.
Rhodes is supplying bottled drinking water and has asked everyone on and off campus to follow safe water, food and hygiene precautions (TimesLIVE).
Last updated: 21 October 2026, 17:35 SAST.
What symptoms have been reported?
Diarrhoea, stomach cramps and vomiting, according to department spokesperson Siyanda Manana. Some patients were seen at Settlers Hospital, and the outbreak has led to some student absenteeism (Algoa FM).
The university said students with severe symptoms were taken to hospital and have since returned to campus (TimesLIVE).
What have the water tests found so far?
The department's infection prevention and control team ran preliminary water tests at the university's microbiology laboratory. They found high coliform counts, E. coli and low chlorine levels. The department says the significance of these results, and any link to the illnesses, is still being assessed (Algoa FM).
What precautions has Rhodes asked students and staff to take?
The university's advice is (TimesLIVE):
- drink boiled and cooled water, or bottled water
- use safe water to prepare food and brush your teeth
- avoid ice, and uncooked food washed in untreated water
- wash your hands regularly with soap and water
Anyone with symptoms or a fever should drink safe fluids and seek medical advice. People with severe symptoms should get urgent medical attention. Students should also tell their warden or sub-warden that they are ill (TimesLIVE).
The Department of Health has given the same broad advice to the wider community: seek medical attention if you have symptoms, stay hydrated and keep up good hand hygiene (Algoa FM).
Where can Rhodes students get help?
The university has set aside a facility where people with mild symptoms can be rehydrated. Those who need more intensive care are referred to hospital (Algoa FM).
Contacts shared by the university (TimesLIVE):
- Rhodes University Health Care Centre: 046 603 8523 or [email protected]
- After-hours emergencies (ER24): 010 205 3068
Who is investigating?
Provincial health authorities, the municipality, environmental health practitioners and experts from Amatola Water are working with the university (TimesLIVE). The Makana Municipality has set up a war room with provincial environmental health practitioners and epidemiologists to co-ordinate the response (Algoa FM). The department says it will keep monitoring and update the public.
FAQ
How many people are sick at Rhodes University?
The Eastern Cape Department of Health said 111 cases of gastroenteritis among students and staff had been reported as of 21 October 2026.
What caused the Rhodes University outbreak?
The cause has not been confirmed. Preliminary water tests found high coliform counts, E. coli and low chlorine levels, but the department says the significance of these findings and any link to the illnesses are still being assessed.
Should Rhodes students drink tap water?
Rhodes University has advised students and staff to drink boiled and cooled or bottled water and to use safe water for food preparation and brushing teeth.
Who should Rhodes students contact if they are ill?
The Rhodes University Health Care Centre on 046 603 8523 or [email protected], or ER24 on 010 205 3068 after hours. Students should also inform their warden or sub-warden.