Typhoid fever cases climb in Tshwane

THE City of Tshwane is on high alert as typhoid fever cases climb in Hammanskraal and Bronkhorstspruit, with at least 14 patients treated across local hospitals.

- RAPULA MOATSHE

The National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD) is investigating the source of the outbreak, which health authorities have flagged as a growing concern. Officials, however, say there is relief that no link has yet been found between the infections and the municipal water supply.

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

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.