Work has been suspended at Medupi power station in Limpopo following a cholera scare among 35 workers, Eskom said on Friday.

Spokesperson Fani Zulu said work at the power station was suspended at 1pm on Thursday after 15 construction workers fell sick with symptoms similar to those of a person with cholera.

"Initially the symptoms presented to us made us concerned as they were similar to those of a person with cholera. Nurses and doctors were deployed to the Lephalale area. The 15 workers were then separated from the rest," said Zulu.

He said the number increased to 35 by the end of the day.

"Water testing was done and samples were taken to the lab. At present there is no confirmation that it is indeed cholera, we are waiting for lab results."

Zulu said while it could have been food poisoning, only lab results would confirm this. These would be available either late on Friday or on Saturday.

Sapa