Fiji’s Ministry of Health and Medical Services has reported 53 cases of typhoid fever and five related deaths, including an infant, so far this year.
Ministry permanent secretary Dr James Fong said seven cases were reported in the last week – six from the West and one from North.
He said nationally, typhoid cases were within the number expected for this time of the year.
However, he added there were localised outbreaks in communities in Ra, Lautoka, and Nadi.
Dr Fong said the five deaths were that of an 18-year-old, a 45-year-old, and a 22-year-old from Ra; and a 51-year-old and one-year-old from Lautoka.
“Typhoid fever is typically found in areas that do not have access to proper toilet facilities and/or clean drinking water. We strongly encourage people who live in rural areas, informal urban areas, and any other areas where access to clean drinking water is limited, to boil all drinking water,” he said.
“We must all also continue to practice basic hygiene measures such as frequently washing hands with soap and water, especially after visiting the toilet and before eating or preparing food.”
