JOHANNESBURG - The Health Department has confirmed the first cholera death in South Africa.

Health Minister Joe Phaahla says the number of laboratory-confirmed cases has risen to five.

Two of the most recent cases have been reported in Alexandra and Benoni.

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Both men between 24 and 28 have no history of travelling locally or internationally.

The department says cholera mainly spreads through contaminated or polluted water.

People can become infected directly through drinking contaminated water, or indirectly through eating contaminated food.

Symptoms include diarrhoea dehydration, vomiting and body weakness.