The Health Ministry has today confirmed that there are about 400 reported cases of typhoid in Fiji at the moment, compared to 205 for the same period last year.

Dr Eric Rafai said one of the reasons for the increase is that their surveillance and public awareness for typhoid fever has increased, which has resulted in more cases being reported.

The bacteria that causes typhoid fever spreads through contaminated food or water and occasionally through direct contact with someone who is infected or active carriers.

Rafai added that in Fiji, where typhoid is endemic, most cases result from contaminated drinking water and poor sanitation and generally it is the younger age group that is affected from typhoid.

To stop typhoid, wash your hands with soap before eating, before preparing a meal and after visiting a toilet. Also boil all drinking water.

Water from rivers or creeks should not be drunk.


Story by: Selina Navuso