By Wanique Block & Katlego Sekhu
The National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD) has confirmed and warned citizens of the Enteric fever, also known as Typhoid fever, outbreak.
Enteric fever is caused by the bacterium Salmonella Typhi and Salmonella Paratyphi A, B, and C, which is also said to be a potentially life-threatening infection.
According to the NICD, the bacterial infection only infects humans and is transmitted through the faecal-oral route. Ingesting food and water that has been contaminated with faeces of an infected person will result in infection.
“These bacteria only infect humans, and humans are the only reservoirs. Transmission of infection is by the faecal-oral route (through ingesting food or water that has been contaminated with faeces of an infected person).”
In a statement the NICD also noted that Typhoid fever is indeed a disease of poverty, affecting vulnerable communities that lack clean water and sanitation facilities.
“It is a disease of poverty because it is usually associated with a lack of clean drinking water and poor sanitation. The disease continues to be a public health problem in many lower- and middle-income countries in Africa, the Americas, South-East Asia and the Western Pacific regions.”
Typhoid fever symptoms
The symptoms of enteric fever are not specific and can resemble many other infections, however, the most common symptoms are:
Prolonged fever
Headache
Abdominal pain
Nausea
Constipation
Diarrhea
Although severe infections may occur and lead to complications, Enteric fever is treatable with antibiotics.
To prevent infection ensure safe food practices, hand washing, sanitizing, and vaccinating against the Typhoid bacterial infection.
If you are experiencing any of the symptoms mentioned above, you are advised to seek medical attention.
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