Byo reports six typhoid cases

Robin Muchetu, Senior Reporter
SIX suspected cases of typhoid have been reported at Mpilo Central Hospital in Bulawayo, raising fears that the disease which has all along been reported in Harare has spread to the city.

In an interview, Mpilo Central Hospital acting clinical director Dr Tatenda Chingonzo said the institution was now on high alert following the reported cases.

“We have recorded six suspected typhoid cases and we are waiting for laboratory results but with suspected cases we immediately went on high, high alert,” she said.

Dr Chingonzo said of the six cases, one was referred from Esigodini while the rest were from Bulawayo suburbs.

She said people who were treated for the suspected diseases had fever, stomach pains, and diarrhoea and no other obvious symptoms.

Dr Chingonzo said although the cases were still suspected, the institution was now on high alert as typhoid is contagious.

“There are things that we would like the community to do and know if these cases are confirmed to prevent spread. They need to wash hands thoroughly because typhoid is mainly spread through the faecal route. These can contaminate food and water sources, so we need to wash hands with water and soap,” she said.

Dr Chingonzo said since this was also the season where fruits such as mangoes and mazhanje are in abundance, people needed to ensure that they wash the fruits before consuming them. Dr Chingonzo said information dissemination about the disease was also vital.

The institution is also working with the city council in sensitising people about the disease. Bulawayo has generally been safe from diseases such as typhoid and cholera. In October 17 cases of typhoid were reported in Harare.