The Head of the General Ward at the Sampa Government Hospital in Jaman North of the Bono region, Mr. Frank Appiah, has bemoaned the increasing rate of typhoid fever at the facility.
He disclosed that the facility records not less than five cases daily and not more than twenty cases every month.
He revealed out of three patients who report to the facility, either, one, two or three test positive for typhoid fever.
He said in some instances, out of 20 patients that report to the facility,m five of them, have typhoid fever.
He said when you multiply the fiver by twelve months, that is a total of 240 cases every year at the facility.
He has therefore asked residents to practice good hygiene practices to prevent typhoid fever.
He admonished them to wash their hands thoroughly and frequently using soap, in particular after contact with pets or farm animals, or after having been to the toilet.
He also asked them to wash fruits and vegetables carefully, particularly if they are eaten raw.
Typhoid fever is a life-threatening infection caused by the bacterium Salmonella Typhi.
It is usually spread through contaminated food or water.
Once Salmonella Typhi bacteria are eaten or drunk, they multiply and spread into the bloodstream.
Symptoms include prolonged fever, fatigue, headache, nausea, abdominal pain, and constipation or diarrhoea. Some patients may have a rash. Severe cases may lead to serious complications or even death.
Some patients may have a rash. Severe cases may lead to serious complications or even death.
Typhoid fever can be confirmed through blood testing.
Typhoid risk is higher in populations that lack access to safe water and adequate sanitation. Poor communities and vulnerable groups including, children, are at the highest risk.
