Two succumb to typhoid, 2 000 treated

was previously treated for typhoid and discharged. Dr Chonzi said it was established that the boy did not finish the course given to him upon discharge.
He said upon investigation, it was found that his father confiscated the prescribed tablets citing religious beliefs.
He said the other case involved a lady who died at Beatrice Infectious Diseases Hospital (Nazareth) upon arrival.
Meanwhile, Dr Chonzi said recorded cases of typhoid are decreasing with an average of 30 patients being treated per day. Previously, an average of 70 patients was treated each day. “We are beginning to see a downward trend in numbers of patients who are passing through Dzivarasekwa Polyclinic and Nazareth,” Dr Chonzi said.
Meanwhile, Dr Chonzi said the health department was worried about the opening of the tobacco sales season amidst the typhoid outbreak.
“Sanitary facilities for farmers are adequate but what we are worried about is that there will be a lot of activity happening outside the auction floors where there are no sanitary facilities,” Dr Chonzi said.
He said they are working with partners to make available mobile toilets for vendors and other people outside the auction floors. The council will closely monitor vending of foodstuffs as these are associated with the spread of typhoid among other diarrhoeal diseases.
Last week, five magistrates and more than 20 other court officials experienced typhoid symptoms forcing closure of the Harare Magistrates’ Courts.
There had been no running water in the court buildings for several weeks. Council officials fear that the disease could have spread to other parts of the Harare and surrounding towns where provision of adequate safe water, waste removal and timely attendance to burst sewer pipes is minimal.