Tshwane typhoid patient, 22, dies

A patient who was being treated for typhoid fever at a Tshwane hospital has died, the Health Department said.

Johannesburg - A 22-year-old patient who was being treated for typhoid fever at the Dr George Mukhari Academic Hospital, in Tshwane, has died the Gauteng Department of Health said on Monday.

“The patient’s typhoid fever had been well managed and as such the fever was not the cause of her death,” said the department adding that the patient died from a kidney related illness on Sunday.

“Typhoid fever does not kill when it is detected early and well managed clinically. To prevent any spread of the fever the Department continues to plead for sustained practice of good hygiene which includes,” said the department.

Last month there reports of at least six people having contracted typhoid.

A 27-year-old Malawian woman who had gone on holiday during the festive season, returned to South Africa having contracted the fever. She died on January 17.

The department advised that “anyone who suspects symptoms of typhoid fever should immediately seek medical advice at their nearest clinic”.

Methods of prevention include:

• Washing hands thoroughly with soap and water after using the toilet, before handling food, eating and after handling a baby;

• Ensuring that all food is stored in a clean and cool place;

• Washing all fruits and vegetables before eating/cooking;

• Keeping the environment clean; and

• If unsure of water safety, boil or treat water with bleach before use.

African News Agency

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