Lautoka and Cakaudrove new areas of concern for Typhoid

The Health Ministry has identified Lautoka and Cakaudrove as new areas of concern for typhoid.

Permanent Secretary for Health, Doctor James Fong says the medical teams are working with the relevant Commissioners, Roko Tui and Provincial Administrators to facilitate a coordinated public health response similar to what was done in Togovere, Ra.

The 7-day lockdown due to typhoid fever in Togovere Village in Ra was lifted earlier this week.

Dr. Fong confirms there have been 83 confirmed cases of typhoid fever this year.

Five people have lost their lives due to typhoid fever this year.

Dr Fong says typhoid cases in the Central and Eastern Divisions are below the average, or at the average numbers expected for this time of the year however, case numbers have exceeded the outbreak threshold in the Western Division, where there have been 50 cases so far this year.

Typhoid is an illness that is very contagious and easily spreads from person to person.

Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water before you prepare and eat food and especially after using the toilet.

You should ensure meals are thoroughly cooked and eaten while still warm.

For leftover food, reheat food well before eating, avoid eating under-cooked meat and wash fruits and vegetables well before consumption or cooking.

It is equally important to ensure that toilets are well built, clean and properly maintained.