5 people including a 1-year-old die from typhoid

Five people have lost their lives due to typhoid this year which includes a 1-year-old from Lautoka.

Permanent Secretary for Health, Doctor James Fong says an 18-year-old, a 22-year-old and a 45-year-old from Ra while a 51-year-old from Lautoka have also died from typhoid.

He says there have been 53 cases of typhoid fever recorded this year with 7 last week.

6 of the new cases were from the Western Division and one from the North.

Dr. Fong says nationally, typhoid cases are within the number expected for this time of the year, however, there are localized outbreaks in communities in Ra, Lautoka and Nadi.

Typhoid fever is typically found in areas that do not have access to proper toilet facilities or clean drinking water.

The Ministry is strongly encouraging people who live in rural areas, informal urban areas, and any other areas where access to clean drinking water is limited, to boil all drinking water.

The Permanent adds we must all also continue to practice basic hygiene measures such as frequently washing hands with soap and water, especially after visiting the toilet and before eating or preparing food.