What’s making Rhodes University students sick? Investigation under way

Rhodes University is working with public health authorities to investigate a cluster of gastrointestinal illnesses reported among members of its community in Makhanda in the Eastern Cape.

The university said it reported the cluster on Tuesday, 20 October 2026, after a number of cases were identified among its students and community.

Subsequent enquiries with local medical practitioners indicated that similar illnesses were also being reported elsewhere in Makhanda, suggesting that the situation may not be limited to the university campus.

“Subsequent enquiries with local medical practitioners indicate that similar cases are being reported elsewhere in Makhanda,” the university said.

The university is now working with local health authorities and environmental health practitioners to establish the possible cause and scope of the illnesses.

Rhodes University says water testing under way

While the investigation continues, Rhodes University has introduced several precautionary measures on campus.

These include urgent water-quality testing at university residences, providing safe drinking water in dining halls and introducing additional precautions around food preparation.

The university said reported cases are being monitored and that medical support has been coordinated for affected students. It has also urged staff and students to take extra care with water, food and hygiene both on and off campus.

Students and staff have been advised to:

• Drink boiled and cooled or bottled water.
• Use safe water when preparing food and brushing their teeth.
• Avoid ice made from untreated water.
• Avoid uncooked food that may have been washed with untreated water.
• Wash their hands regularly with soap and water.

Symptoms to watch for

Gastrointestinal illnesses can cause symptoms including diarrhoea, vomiting, stomach cramps and fever.

Rhodes University has advised anyone experiencing these symptoms to stay hydrated by drinking safe fluids and to seek medical advice. Those experiencing severe symptoms should seek urgent medical attention.

The university said it would continue monitoring the situation and provide further updates as verified information becomes available.

“Rhodes University takes the health and well-being of its community seriously and remains committed to responding swiftly and responsibly as the investigation continues,” it said.

The developments at Rhodes University come as government is also responding to a separate gastrointestinal illness outbreak in Bronkhorstspruit, in the City of Tshwane.

A total of 408 cases were reported between 7 and 18 October 2026, prompting government to establish a multi-pronged response team.

Water and Sanitation Minister Pemmy Majodina said at a media briefing that the illness was believed to be linked to contaminated water from the Bronkhorstspruit Water Treatment Works.

The City of Tshwane subsequently warned residents supplied by the Bronkhorstspruit water system not to use tap water for human consumption after laboratory testing found serious bacterial contamination.

Water samples collected from the Bronkhorstspruit Water Treatment Plant, as well as the Zithobeni and Ekandustria reservoirs, on 14 October reportedly showed serious bacterial contamination.

However, there is currently no indication that the Rhodes University illnesses are linked to the Bronkhorstspruit outbreak. The university is still investigating the possible cause of the illnesses in Makhanda.

Students who require medical assistance can contact the Rhodes University Health Care Centre on 046 603 8523 or email healthcarecentre@ru.ac.za.

After-hours emergencies can be reported to the RU ER24 emergency number on 010 205 3068. Students are also encouraged to notify their warden or sub-warden if they become ill.