The greater George region has been labelled as an isolated typhoid hotspot.
Western Cape health department spokesperson Nadia Ferreira said that from August 2020 until September 2021, 20 cases of typhoid fever had been reported in SA, of which 13 cases — including one death — were reported in the George region.
“This is not regarded as an outbreak, but isolated hotspots,” she said.
“I do not know why everyone thinks that it is an outbreak. It is not an outbreak.”
Typhoid is a life-threatening bacterial infection caused by the bacterium salmonella typhi. It is usually spread through contaminated food or water.
Salmonella typhi lives only in humans.
Typhoid fever is also climate-related as the germs spread easier during the summer period.
Garden Route district municipal spokesperson Marillia Veldkornet cautioned communities living in the George area ahead of the summer season.
“Environmental health practitioners are also busy with typhoid awareness in clinics and the community at large to prevent the spread on the fever in our area,” she said.
Access to clean water and adequate sanitation, hygiene among food handlers and typhoid vaccinations are some of the preventive measures.
HeraldLIVE
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