By Geraldine Lim

Yes, it’s true. We do not know the source that caused the 32 reported cases of typhoid fever yet (as of published time), neither have we known how long this situation will continue – whether it will improve or worsen.

So far, there have been 32 cases of typhoid fever reported in Kuala Lumpur since August and as of Oct 19, it was announced that the Health Ministry was still rushing to find the source of the infection.

The ministry’s director-general Datuk Dr Noor Hishan Abdullah said in a statement recently that the Kuala Lumpur Health Department had received seven cases of typhoid fever since the first week of August.

He said those stricken were mostly construction workers living in Cheras and near the city centre. By Oct 18, the number of cases was up to 32 with Titiwangsa having the most, at 16 cases. There were eight cases in Kepong, four in Lembah Pantai and eight in Cheras. No deaths have been reported.

Meanwhile, the Kuala Lumpur Health Department is conducting an epidemiology probe to find out the reason behind the infection.

Dr Noor Hisham added that on the ground, checks are not able to summarise the reason behind the infection or the type of food taken because there were no similarities in those cases.

Over 37 contract workers comprising family members, colleagues and food vendors have been monitored and 24 food premises checked.

A total of 79 faeces samples and four drinking water samples had been taken to identify the presence of the bacteria. However, none of the samples was reported positive for Salmonella typhi so far.

In addition, checks were being done at ice distributor factories while surveillance and control activities involving the water supply system have been conducted to ensure that the water quality in Kuala Lumpur is good.

So, what exactly is typhoid fever?

Typhoid fever is caused by the bacteria Salmonella Typhi and is spread by consuming food or water contaminated with excreta from an infected person. Therefore, once the bacteria are eaten or drunk, they multiply and spread into the bloodstream, causing the body to react with fever and other signs and symptoms. That said, humans are the only species affected by typhoid.

Signs and symptoms to look out for:

1.   High fever (30-40 degrees Celsius)

2.   Older children and adults are usually constipated

3.   Younger children may have diarrhoea

4.   Headaches

5.   Abdominal pain

6.   Muscle aches

7.   A rash made up of small pink spots

8.   Loss of appetite

9.   Exhaustion/fatigue

10.  Confusion such as not knowing where you are and what is going on around you

These symptoms can be mild or severe, and usually develop one or two weeks after infection with Salmonella Typhi bacteria. They usually disappear two to five days after administration of antibiotic treatment. However, without proper treatment, typhoid fever can become very serious, and there will be a significant risk of life-threatening complications.

It is also advisable to seek medical advice as soon as possible if you have symptoms of typhoid fever, even if you have been vaccinated against it or if you have recently returned from travelling abroad to countries where typhoid is common or to areas with low standards of hygiene and water supply facilities.

Here’s some helpful preventive measures:

1. Practise healthy hygiene

Make it a habit to wash and scrub your hands frequently with antibacterial soap for at least 30 seconds, especially before preparing a meal and after going to the toilet.

Keep your home and surrounding areas clean from flies.

2. Cooking kills bacteria

Make sure the food (meat, fish or vegetables) that you’re eating is thoroughly cooked and served hot. Yes, goodbye to sashimi for now.

For fruits and vegetables, eat them fresh and try not to consume those that have been refrigerated and stored for some time. Ensure that all raw food is washed thoroughly with clean water. Use ozone food purifier and washer machine if you have one.

Have all your food and drinks covered properly away from flies.

3. Try to avoid eating at roadside stalls with poor hygiene

Be a smart and health-conscious consumer. Be choosy with food operators. For example, avoid eating your bowl of assam laksa or plate of nasi lemak at a food stall that serves your food in unhygienic ways.

4. Drink only boiled water from a clean source

Boil your drinking water and avoid ordering your usual ‘ais kosong’ when you’re eating out. Ask for sealed, bottled drinking water from reputable/trusted brands instead. Consume ice made from boiled water, and avoid eating popsicles and flavoured ice. If you want to indulge in your favourite ABC or ice cendol, ensure that the stall operator is using ice that is made from boiled and treated water.

5. Use clean cutleries

Make sure that you are using clean chopsticks, forks and spoons to take your food. Antibacterial wipes might come in handy for this, if you’re eating out.

6. Take extra steps for using clean toilets

Use a clean toilet when you’re out and about.

If you’re a patient recovering from typhoid fever, do not prepare food for others until you’re fully recovered and free from the bacteria. The most important thing is to follow your doctor’s instructions for your antibiotics treatment and complete the entire prescription.

Photo credit: mdpai75 / Foter / CC BY