Typhoid fever cases on the rise

THE City of Tshwane is on edge as typhoid fever cases rise in Hammanskraal and Bronkhorstspruit with the National Institute for Communicable Disease (NICD) investigating the source of the outbreak.

- RAPULA MOATSHE [e-mail]

The metro, the DA, and health authorities are urging vigilance, extra hygiene, and quick medical help.

This comes after the NICD confirmed an ongoing investigation into the typhoid fever outbreak after several cases were reported in recent weeks.

In Bronkhorstspruit, 13 patients were treated at Bronkhorstspruit Hospital and one ata Netcare facility, while Jubilee Hospital in Hammanskraal recorded several other typhoid cases.

In a broadcast interview, NICD senior pathologist Dr Keeren Lutchminarain said the Hammanskraal area saw a sudden increase of typhoid cases last week, indicating a possible “common source’

Most of the recent patients reported from Jubilee Hospital are under the age of 15, with the youngest being an eight-month-old.

Health Department spokesperson Foster Mohale told the SABC that the situation is “under control” and that the NICD’ surveillance team is on the ground, tracing the typhoid source so they can educate the public quickly.