Zimbabwe: Typhoid fever outbreak persists in Harare /update 2

Event

According to Zimbabwean health officials, at least 200 new cases of typhoid fever were detected in the first week of January in the capital city of Harare. However, no deaths have yet been reported. Officials believe a lack of access to potable water has exacerbated the crisis.

Context

The outbreak began in September 2017 in the suburb of Mbare, leading to at least 2300 suspected cases across Zimbabwe. Typhoid fever is a bacterial infection caused by Salmonella Typhi, usually contracted through ingestion of contaminated food or water, which causes fever, weakness, abdominal pain, constipation, and headache. Symptoms occur between six and 30 days after exposure to the disease. Proper sanitation and hygiene measures are critical to avoid contracting the contagious disease. Vaccines are available for specific types of typhoid fever.

Advice

Individuals in Harare 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.