El Salvador: Typhoid fever outbreak continues /update 3

Event

The Salvadorian Ministry of Health declared in mid-June that the ongoing typhoid fever outbreak has reached epidemic proportions in 26 municipalities, including the capital San Salvador. Other concerned municipalities include San Antonio Pajonal (Santa Ana department), Santa Tecla (La Libertad department), and Apopa, Cuscatancingo, Mejicanos, Panchimalco, Ilopango, and Soyapango (San Salvador department). Hundreds of cases have been reported in recent weeks.

Residents are being urged to seek medical attention if they believe they have contracted the disease and to not self-medicate. Everyone is being advised to wash hands frequently, avoid eating street food, eat foods that are well cooked, peeled, or disinfected, and not drink untreated tap water.

Context

Typhoid fever is a potentially fatal bacterial infection caused by Salmonella Typhi, usually contracted via ingestion of contaminated food or water. Symptoms of the disease can include high fever, diarrhea, rash, headache, and abdominal pain.

Advice

Individuals in El Salvador are advised to only consume bottled or treated water, eat thoroughly-cooked foods, disinfect and/or peel raw fruits and vegetables, wash hands frequently, seek medical attention if experiencing the above symptoms, and consult a doctor regarding vaccination options.