Concerns raised over sudden spike in typhoid cases in Tshwane

Health authorities in Gauteng are investigating a surge in typhoid fever cases in parts of Tshwane, particularly affecting Hammanskraal and Bronkhorstspruit.

According to the Deputy Director for CDC Surveillance at the provincial Health Department, Mzimasi Neti, 48 cases have been confirmed since January, with a noticeable increase recorded in October.

Neti notes that, while the number of cases this year is slightly lower than last year, the recent spike remains concerning.

He explained that typhoid is a bacterial illness caused by Salmonella typhi, usually spread through contaminated food and water. Symptoms include high fever, stomach pain, headache, and loss of appetite.

"The Department of Health, working with the Department of Water and Sanitation and the municipality, are really still trying to identify the source of this outbreak. For each and every case that we identify, our teams follow up with the cases to identify the exposure history and check water samples or food or whatever may have been the cause for a little bit of analysis."

Netiurges residents in the affected areas to practice strict hygiene by washing hands regularly, boiling drinking water, and using sanitisers to prevent further spread of the disease.

To listen to Neti in conversation with 702 and CapeTalk's Africa Melane, use the audio player below: