Mahikeng – Five babies were admitted for observation in hospital after water contamination claimed the life of a baby in Bloemhof, the North West health department said on Friday.

The babies were kept for observation because their immune systems were weak, spokesperson Tebogo Lekgethwane said.

This came after a baby died on Wednesday after contracting severe diarrhoea from the contamination.

More than 200 people were treated in clinics this week for diarrhoea in the water-depleted town.

“The water is back [on] in the area. However, residents are encouraged to boil their water. The municipality will continue to test the water,” Lekgethwane said.

SAPA