Guatemala: Ongoing typhoid outbreak in Petén department

Event

Guatemalan authorities announced on Monday, August 7, that at least 60 cases of typhoid fever have been confirmed since the outbreak on July 9 in Dolores, Petén department. Two of the reported cases resulted in death. While officials noted that the outbreak is not yet contained, the spread of the infection has reportedly slowed.

Context

Typhoid fever is a bacterial infection caused by Salmonella Typhi, usually contracted through ingestion of contaminated food or water, but also spreadable via human contact. Symptoms include fever, weakness, abdominal pain, constipation, and headaches. Symptoms occur between six and 30 days after exposure to the disease. Proper sanitation and hygienic measures are critical to minimize the risk of contracting the contagious disease. Typhoid is treatable with antibiotics, and vaccines are available for specific types of typhoid fever.

Advice

Individuals are advised to practice good hygiene (wash hands frequently, etc.) and take proper precautions (only eat thoroughly-cooked foods, only drink bottled or purified water, avoid ice cubes, etc.) to avoid contracting typhoid, and to seek medical attention if experiencing the above symptoms.