One more typhoid case reported False-colour transmission electron micrograph (TEM) of ^ISalmonella typhi^i, a gram-negative, flagellate bacterium, which is the causative agent of typhoid fever in humans. The bacteria are transmitted through food or drinking water contaminated by the faeces or urine of patients with typhoid, or through other carriers. Typhoid fever is an infection of the digestive system, causing high fever, rash, chills & sweating. A severe attack includes inflammation of the spleen & bones, delirium & erosion of the intestinal wall leading to haemorrhage.

Ellah Mukwati Herald Reporter
typhoid cases that were recorded in Glen Norah, Hopley, Hatfield and Budiriro suburbs, Harare, have increased from six to seven, while 14 suspected cases have so far been recorded. Glen Norah has recorded the highest number of cases of the bacteria with four confirmed cases, while the other three areas recorded one each. City Health director Dr Prosper Chonzi yesterday said most of the 14 suspected cases were recorded in Budiriro and Hopley.

He said samples from the suspected cases were sent to the laboratory and the results would be available today.

“We are continuing with awareness campaigns on the disease,” he said. “We have recorded an increase in the number of suspected cases, with Budiriro and Hopley recording the highest numbers.

“People are being advised to treat water regardless of the source in order to try and avoid further cases. Also, they should desist from buying cooked food because they do not know how and when the food was prepared.

“We are also advising people to stop buying fish from the streets as some of the fishmongers catch fish in dirty and contaminated sources. The public is urged to wash hands before eating and after using the toilet.”

Dr Chonzi said council had since mobilised trucks to carry rubbish from the affected areas.

The cases of typhoid in the high-density suburbs were recorded starting last week.

“In the morning (yesterday) we had a meeting with council officials and we have mobilised trucks to make sure all the rubbish in the affected areas is cleared and also concerted efforts are being made to repair all damaged and blocked sewer systems,” he said.

Dr Chonzi said water tanks had been sent to some of the affected areas, which do not receive piped water to reduce the risks of people using dirty water.

The cases of typhoid in the high-density suburbs were recorded starting last week.

Although water and sanitation conditions in most suburbs are below standard, efforts are being made to avoid the spread of the disease.

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