Typhoid is an infectious waterborne disease and can be contracted through food or water.
Photo: supplied.
POLOKWANE – The department says it is closely monitoring a typhoid and cholera outbreak in Zimbabwe.
According to spokesperson for the Department of Health, Neil Shikwambana, the outbreak is allegedly due to a sewage system burst which caused the contamination of borehole water. In addition, Shikwambana says diarrhea-like diseases are also occur due to seasonal rain.
“The department has activated outbreak response teams in all districts as well as at all our ports of entry including Musina, Beitbridge and Musina Hospital. We have also increased surveillance of diarrhea-like diseases at all public health facilities, ” he said.
TIPS FOR THE PUBLIC
• Boil water before for drinking
• Wash your hands after visiting the toilet and after changing babies nappies
• Wash your hands before preparing and eating food
• Washingfruits and vegetables before eating them with clean water
“Passing of three or more loose (diarrhea) or liquid stools per day or more frequently than normal, please consult your nearest clinic facility or doctor immediately,” he concluded.
Raeesa Sempe is a Caxton Award-winning Digital Editor with nine years’ experience in the industry. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Media Studies from the University of the Witwatersrand and started her journey as a community journalist for the Polokwane Review in 2015. She then became the online journalist for the Review in 2016 where she excelled in solidifying the Review’s digital footprint through Facebook lives, content creation and marketing campaigns. Raeesa then moved on to become the News Editor of the Bonus Review in 2019 and scooped up the Editorial Employee of the Year award in the same year. She is the current Digital Editor of the Polokwane Review-Observer, a position she takes pride in. Raeesa is married with one child and enjoys spending time with friends, listening to music and baking – when she has the time. “I still believe that if your aim is to change the world, journalism is a more immediate short-term weapon." – Tom Stoppard
