GAUTENG. – The Gauteng Department of Health is appealing to residents to recognise the warning signs of a stroke and seek medical emergency assistance immediately. The department warns that delays in treatment can lead to death, permanent disability and loss of independence. World Stroke Day is observed on 29 October with the theme
According to the World Stroke Organisation, around 1.9 million brain cells can be lost every minute during a stroke. Steve Mabona, spokesperson for the Gauteng Department of Health, says provincial rehabilitation data show that 32 444 new stroke cases and 105 441 follow-up cases were recorded between the 2019/20 and 2024/25 financial years. In 2024/25 alone there were 6 855 new cases and 22 771 follow-up cases.
The department encourages residents to remember the FAST warning signs: a face drooping on one side, weakness in one arm and speech problems. The letter T stands for time and means that emergency medical help must be summoned immediately. Other signs include sudden numbness, confusion, vision problems, loss of balance and a severe, unexplained headache. Even if symptoms disappear, urgent medical assessment is needed. High blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol, tobacco use and physical inactivity are among the risk factors. Emergency medical services can be contacted on 112 from a cellphone or on 10177.
This article is an automatic English translation of a Nuusflits article originally published in Afrikaans. Read the Afrikaans original.
