TYPHOID FEVER – ZIMBABWE: HARARE

Another person has died from typhoid, and nearly 100 others have fallen ill in just one week. The Zimbabwean health ministry says at least 10 people have died, and more than 1800 have been infected with the disease since the outbreak began in October 2016.

In a weekly disease surveillance report, the ministry says that in just one week, one person died, and 86 others contracted typhoid. Most of these suspected infections were in Harare, and 30 percent were pre-school age children. With uncollected rubbish, frequent burst sewage pipes, and erratic water supplies, the disease can spread more easily.

Communicated by: ProMED-mail

Typhoid fever, so-called enteric fever caused by _Salmonella enterica_ serotype Typhi, has a totally different presentation from that of the more common kinds of salmonellosis. Epidemiologically, usually spread by contaminated food or water, typhoid is not a zoonosis like the more commonly seen types of salmonellosis.

Clinically, vomiting and diarrhea are typically absent; indeed, constipation is frequently reported. As it is a systemic illness, blood cultures are at least as likely to be positive as stool in enteric fever, particularly early in the course of the infection, and bone marrow cultures may be the most sensitive.

The symptoms of classical typhoid fever typically include fever, anorexia, lethargy, malaise, dull continuous headache, non-productive cough, vague abdominal pain, and constipation. Despite the often high fever, the pulse is often only slightly elevated. During the 2nd week of the illness, there is protracted fever and mental dullness, classically called coma vigil. Diarrhea may develop but usually does not. Many patients develop hepatosplenomegaly

[both liver and spleen enlarged]. After the 1st week or so, many cases develop a maculopapular rash on the upper abdomen. These lesions (“rose spots”) are about 2 cm in diameter and blanch on pressure. They persist for

2-4 days and may come and go. Mild and atypical infections are common.

The word typhoid (as in typhus-like) reflects the similarity of the louse-borne rickettsial disease epidemic typhus and that of typhoid fever; in fact, in some areas, typhoid fever is still referred to as abdominal typhus.

DISCLAIMERS:

HSP GROUP SA, LISTSERVE, SASTM, ET AL
The content and opinions are occasionally not pre-screened nor endorsed by HSP GROUP SA or any of it’s sources.

The content should neither be interpreted nor quoted as inherently accurate or authoritative.

HSP GROUP SA NEWSFLASH
This information as provided in the HSP GROUP SA Update or Facts is sourced from a variety of websites, government agencies, news sources and medical professional bodies.

The objective is to provide the reader with accurate and up to date facts and is done so free of charge and in good faith, in the understanding that any express or implied warranty as to its suitability for any purpose is categorically disclaimed. It is important for any traveller to consult a professionally qualified professional before departure for suitable and individualised advice. This advice is generalised and may not be appropriate for all persons, including but not limited to current medical conditions, allergies, gender, pregnancy, lactation, health status, medical treatment, medical conditions, age, etc.