Travellers

News

15 March 2010

Typhoid outbreak in Fiji

The United States Embassy in Suva, Fiji has issued an alert regarding an outbreak of typhoid in Fiji [1]. According to media reports, as of 9 March 2010, 112 cases of typhoid have been reported since the outbreak began in February [2]. The Fiji Ministry of Health has advised members of the public to take food, water and personal hygiene precautions in order to reduce the risk [3]. 

Typhoid fever

Typhoid fever is a systemic disease caused by Salmonella Typhi bacteria and is transmitted via food and water contaminated with faeces from an infected person. Symptoms of typhoid are fever, chills, headache, myalgia, malaise, anorexia, nausea and abdominal pain. Diarrhoea can occur early on in the illness. Typhoid is treated with antibiotics and supportive care.

Advice for travellers

Typhoid is known to occur in Fiji and all travellers should take food, water and personal hygiene precautions. Kava drinking ceremonies should be avoided where the safety of water used cannot be assured [4].

Travellers at higher risk of typhoid include those visiting friends and relatives (VFRs), young children, long-term travellers and those exposed to conditions of poor sanitation.

Typhoid vaccination should be considered for travellers whose planned activities put them at higher risk. Current typhoid vaccines are only 50-80% protective, therefore vaccinated travellers are still advised to take food, water and hygiene precautions.

Information on the specific health risks for travellers to Fiji can be found on the NaTHNaC Country Information Pages.

References

1. Overseas Security Advisory Council. Warden message: Fiji typhoid fever outbreak. 8 March 2010. [Accessed 12 March 2010]. Available at: https://www.osac.gov/Reports/report.cfm?contentID=114746

2. Radio New Zealand International. Fiji typhoid cases now up to 112. 9 March 2010. [Accessed 12 March 2010]. Available at: http://www.rnzi.com/pages/news.php?op=read&id=52364

3. Fiji Ministry of Health. Boil water, wash hands to stop disease spread. 1 February 2010. [Accessed 12 March 2010]. Available at: http://www.health.gov.fj/Articles/feb10/feb1001.html

4. Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade – Manatu Aorere. Typhoid fever in Fiji. [Accessed 12 March 2010]. Available at http://www.safetravel.govt.nz/beforeugo/health.shtml#typhoid


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