More than 400 people have received medical treatment in Nkangala, Mpumalanga, following the outbreak of diarrhoea in the area two weeks ago, the health department said yesterday.

More than 400 people have received medical treatment in Nkangala, Mpumalanga, following the outbreak of diarrhoea in the area two weeks ago, the health department said yesterday.

"On Tuesday the number of patients treated for diarrhoea went up to 425. Many of the cases were reported over the weekend. We have sent more nurses to the area," said spokesman Mpho Gabashane.

Gabashane said most of the patients treated at the clinics were toddlers. He said the department had not yet identified the cause of the stomach disorder.

"As a precautionary measure, we advise people to boil water before consumption," he said.

The area was hit by a typhoid outbreak in September 2005, killing four people.

Gabashane said all patients this time had tested negative for typhoid. He said no deaths had been reported. - Sapa