Typhoid on the rise in Kalabo
Typhoid on the rise in KalaboBy Masuzyo Chakwe
Mon 14 Nov. 2011, 14:00 CAT
THE number of typhoid cases in Kalabo has increased from 78 to 82, says the Ministry of Health. Spokesperson Dr Rueben Mbewe said yesterday that so far, 34 patients were still undergoing treatment. Dr Mbewe said Kalabo had recorded an increase in the number of cases of patients presenting with sudden onset of fever.
He said the first case was recorded at Kalabo District Hospital on October 24, and since then, there had been 82 admissions. Dr Mbewe said the disease was affecting all age groups but the majority were those over the age of 15. He said there had been no deaths recorded so far.
Dr Mbewe said the symptoms of the disease were not specific but the common ones were headaches, poor appetite and general weakness, with or without diarrhoea.
He said the patients were coming from Kalabo Boma and Yuka Mission areas.
Dr Mbewe said laboratory investigations confirmed that the condition was typhoid, a waterborne disease.
He said the source of the outbreak appeared to be contaminated water from Luanginga River.
Dr Mbewe explained that typhoid fever was a bacterial disease caused by ingestion of contaminated food and water.
He said the symptoms may mimic those of malaria but infection may result in severe complications, including intestinal perforation and anaemia.
Dr Mbewe said prevention of typhoid was based on access to safe water, proper sanitation and hygienic food handling and preparation.
He urged the public to maintain the highest level of hygiene to ensure that all drinking water was boiled or chlorinated and that only food that was hygienically prepared was consumed.
Dr Mbewe said hand hygiene must be maintained at all times and all patients with symptoms of typhoid fever must be taken to the nearest health centre immediately.
Labels: DISEASE, MINISTRY OF HEALTH, REUBEN MBEWE
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