Everything You Need To Know About Thypoid Fever
A typhoid fever outbreak was reported in the Western Cape and North West provinces in February by the National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD).
Western Cape health officials reported 64 cases in three separate outbreaks in the Cape Town Metro health district, the Garden Route and the Cape Winelands while the North West reported 18 cases in the Dr Kenneth Kaunda district.
How Does Typhoid Fever Occur?
Typhoid fever, caused by Salmonella Typhi, is endemic to South Africa.
Contaminated water or food are usually the means by which the disease is transmitted. As soon as the bacteria is ingested, it multiplies, entering the bloodstream and intestinal tract. The diagnosis can be confirmed by a blood test.
More Information:
The NICD is investigating an outbreak of typhoid in the North West and Western Cape
In response to WhatsApp messages linking tap water to typhoid, the City of Cape Town insists the water is safe
Typhoid is not linked to Cape Town water
Symptoms of the Thypoid
Typhoid fever is characterized by high fever, fatigue, headache, nausea, abdominal pain, constipation, and diarrhoea.
A rash may appear in some patients, while severe cases may cause serious complications and even death.
Who Are Thypoid Carriers
Even after getting treatment for typhoid fever, a few people remain infected with the bacteria. People who are chronic carriers of the disease no longer show any signs or symptoms of the illness. However, their faeces still carry bacteria and are capable of infecting other people.
Is Typhoid Fever Treatable?
As recommended by healthcare professionals, antibiotics can be taken to treat the disease.
Using the bathroom or preparing food should be followed by washing hands with soap and water.
World Health Organization (WHO) recommends that people do not prepare or serve other people's food. They believe this will reduce the risk of infection spreading to others.
Ask a health-care professional to test whether the Salmonella Typhi bacteria remain in your body.
How To Protect Yourself Against Typhoid Fever
Make sure you wash your hands.
The best way to prevent infection is to regularly wash your hands in hot, soapy water. Always wash your hands after going to the restroom and before eating or preparing food. When water is not readily available, carry an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
Stay away from untreated water.
There is a particular problem with typhoid-infected drinking water in endemic areas. Because of this, drink only bottled water, canned or bottled carbonated beverages. Compared to non-carbonated bottled water, carbonated bottled water is safer.
Be sure to avoid ice-filled drinks. Try not to swallow water while taking a shower, and use bottled water to brush your teeth.
Avoid eating raw fruit and vegetables.
Fruits and vegetables that you cannot peel, such as lettuce, may have been washed in contaminated water. You may want to avoid raw foods entirely if you want to be completely safe.
Choose hot foods.
Stay away from foods that are served at room temperature. The best foods are hot and steaming.
Find the nearest healthcare provider.
Know in advance what medical care is available in the areas you're planning to visit, and carry the names, addresses, and phone numbers of recommended doctors.
Vaccines
There are two types of vaccine available.
One must be administered one week prior to a trip.
Four capsules are given orally and one dose every other day.