Typhoid source to be trucked

Press, 6 December 1989, Page 6

Typhoid source to be trucked

By

DEBORAH

McPHERSON authorities are trying to track the source of a case of typhoid, after a woman suffering the disease was admitted to the isolation ward at Christchurch Hospital.

The woman contracted the fever on a trip to the Pacific Islands, the Medical Officer of Health, Dr Mel Brieseman, said yesterday. Typhoid was a common fatal disease last century, but could be treated now with antibiotics, he said. The woman was recovering. Dr Brieseman said his staff would try and trace the source of the disease and warn the health authorities in the country of the problem. Another case of typhoid had been reported to the Christchurch Health Development Unit in June, but most of New Zealand’s estimated 20 cases a year were in the North Island. They involved people returning from overseas. Typhoid was one of the salmonella group of disease, Dr Brieseman said. In the last week, a case of amoebic dysentery, originally from a holidaymaker eating contaminated food overseas ha also been notified. Up to 14 cases of Campylobacter and one of salmonella, had been reported. The increase in stomach upsets was usual for summer, but a warning for people to “watch what they eat,” said Dr Brieseman. “People travelling overseas should watch what they eat. Do not go round the bazaars picking up food that has been sat on by flies.” People eating outdoors should also be careful to wash their hands before eating and not to leave food like meats unrefrigerated, said Dr Brieseman. In warmer weather the bacteria multiplied in meat, particularly chicken.