There is a diarrhoea outbreak in Carolina in Mpumalanga, the provincial health department said on Tuesday.

Spokesperson Mpho Gabashane said 653 people reported to public and private health facilities with diarrhoea in the past week.

"These cases were recorded since Tuesday last week until yesterday [Monday]. Five people were admitted at Carolina hospital and no fatalities were reported."

He said the last time they recorded a higher rate of diarrhoea patients was in October 2007 after heavy rains, "similar to the ones that we have experienced recently".

"The recent heavy rains caused damage in and around Carolina, and left the area without water and electricity for a few days." Gabashane said the department informed its teams in the area to monitor the situation closely and provide health education.

Communities in and around Carolina were advised to purify water before drinking and cooking by boiling it for at least three minutes.

They can also add one teaspoon of bleach to 20 litres of water that has been filtered through a clean cotton cloth.

"Mix well and wait for thirty minutes before consumption."

Sapa