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Fiji’s Health ministry has expressed concern following the latest typhoid figures which have now reached 92.
Health officials say that of this number, 37 cases were recorded in the West, 33 in the East and Central division and 22 in the Northern division.
Divisional Medical Officer, Central Dr Frances Bingor said past statistics have shown that people actually died from this disease because it was not taken seriously.
She said it is essential that typhoid is treated medically as it cannot be treated at home.
Ministry spokesperson Iliesa Tora earlier confirmed that while contaminated water is the main cause at this time, the ministry has not ruled out contaminated food from rivers and affected creeks in the affected areas.
“People must wash their hands with soap and water, boil all drinking water and keep toilets clean,” Tora said.
Dr Bingor said the ministry has launched preventative campaigns working closely with stakeholders and the community in bringing about awareness on the disease.
Teams have also been dispatched to rural areas all around the country to determine the extent of the spread of typhoid and the number of unreported cases.
People have been advised to seek medical attention immediately.
The World Health Organisation’s Jennie Musto confirmed that they were assisting the ministry in providing technical advice and laboratory supplies.
Typhoid she said, is a major problem in Fiji than in any other Pacific Island country.
