Local health officials have declared typhoid fever outbreak in Zanzibar municipality, after at least 22 residents were afflicted with the disease. The number of patients was recorded at Mnazi Mmoja hospital alone.
According to the head of the diseases surveillance unit, Dr Salma Masauni Yussuf, patients suffered from headaches, recurring fever, stomach pains and either constipation or diarrhoea that lasted for several days. Dr Yussuf said patients include four children, and mentioned that affected people were from Mtopepo, Mwera, Muembeladu, Mbuyuni, Kwamtipura, Tomondo, Muembetanga, Kibweni, Chumbuni, Kinuni, and Nyarugusu.
She said Typhoid fever, which used to be a rare disease in Zanzibar in the past, spreads through contaminated food and water or through close contact with an infected person. “To prevent further spreading of the disease, I urge people to keep environment clean, drink and eat clean food/fruits and water through proper washing and boiling before drinking,” she said. Typhoid fever is a bacterial infection that can spread throughout the body, affecting many organs. Without prompt treatment, it can cause serious complications and can be fatal.
No Comments