The National Institute for Communicable Disease has shared helpful advice about Typhoid cases in South Africa and what you can do to prevent infection.
South Africa (22 February 2022) – The National Institute for Communicable Disease has released a statement related to the reports of a Typhoid Fever outbreak in South Africa. The organisation urges that people do not panic and that the infections are unlikely to be caused by municipal water.
“Cases of Typhoid Fever have been confirmed in Gauteng, the Western Cape and the North West. It is important to note that contamination of municipal water is extremely unlikely to be the source of infection in any of these clusters, due to the demographics of the cases (including their age profiles, places of residence, source(s) of drinking water and access to improved sanitation).”
They have shared some helpful information, so you know what to look for or how to prevent infection in your own home.
How do you get Typhoid Fever?
Typhoid is transmitted from person to person through the faecal-oral route where an infected or asymptomatic individual (who does not exhibit symptoms) with poor hand or body hygiene passes the infection to another person when handling food and water.
Symptoms to look for.
- A fever, which is often high and can last for many days or even weeks
- Headache
- Lethargy and fatigue
- Nausea
- In many cases, abdominal pain
- In some cases, either diarrhoea or constipation
Prevention includes washing hands with soap and safe water before eating or preparing food and after using the toilet or changing a baby’s nappy.
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