Typhoid outbreak in Fiji

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Troops and police officers have been placed on alert to help control a national outbreak of typhoid in Fiji. This follows the initial refusal of villagers to heed the Health Ministry’s advice to refrain from holding large public gatherings.

Director Public Health Doctor Jo Koroivueta, confirmed that 44 cases of typhoid had been found across the country.

On Saturday, villagers at Natoaika in Naitasiri were advised by doctors that several residents had tested positive for typhoid. They were asked not to hold large gatherings and ensure that everyone followed strict protocols.

These included boiling of all drinking water, proper disposal of toilet waste, washing of hands and general cleanliness of water sources. This is because typhoid is a water-borne disease.

But villagers held a large gathering the same day, putting several hundred people at risk. This prompted medical authorities to seek help from police.

A police officer accompanied medical staff to Natoaika on Sunday to warn them about the dangers of large gatherings. Villagers were also warned that under the Public Health Act, police and troops could be used to ensure compliance with the law.

Dr Koroivueta said there was no need to panic but everyone had a duty to ensure that the transmission of typhoid was reduced or stopped. All national water sources have been checked and declared safe