Typhoid fever cases ‘a concern’
Four cases of Typhoid fever has been reported along with one death.
Typhoid fever made headlines this morning after four patients were diagnosed with the infectious bacterial fever and one had already died.
Gauteng Health Member of the Executive Council (MEC) Qedani Mahlangu said an outbreak response team was dispatched to trace and manage any further cases of typhoid fever. Two of the cases were identified at the Charlotte Maxeke Academic Hospital while the other two were picked up at the Edenvale Hospital, Eyewitness News reported.
According to WebMD, typhoid fever is contracted by drinking or eating the bacteria in contaminated food or water.
Symptoms of the fever include:
• Poor appetite
• Headaches
• Generalised aches and pains
• Fever as high as 40 degrees Celcius
• Lethargy
• Diarrhea
The Democratic Alliance Gauteng Shadow MEC for Health, Jack Bloom, said that he is concerned by the four cases in Gauteng.
“Typhoid is a notifiable disease and is highly infectious. It is important that we establish the source of these typhoid cases and take steps to prevent the spread of this disease,” he said.
“An additional concern is that this may be a multi-drug resistant typhoid strain called H58 which has emerged in Africa and Asia, and does not respond effectively to front-line antibiotics.”
Bloom advised that people wash their hands regularly as it is an important way to prevent the spread of the fever.
“People should contact their nearest health facility if they experience diarrhoea, fever, headache and/or nausea and vomiting. Swift and effective measures are needed to contain a possible typhoid outbreak,” Bloom added.
However, Mahlangu has assured the public there is no need for panic.
“I think it’s important to practice personal hygiene. The fact that we are in a province like Gauteng means this situation can be managed.”
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