Typhoid downs 132 Samar residents

PALO, Leyte – A typhoid fever outbreak has affected at least 132 residents in the island town of Zumarraga, Samar for over a week now, which alarmed officials of the Department of Health.

In a report reaching the DOH regional office yesterday, the outbreak has sent 17 persons to the Samar Provincial Hospital in Catbalogan City this week.

There were no reported fatalities among patients who have shown symptoms of this life-threatening illness.

Concerned with the report, a health team from Manila will arrive in Zumarraga town to investigate the cause of the outbreak, which was first reported to the regional office in this town on March 10.

Adelaida Asperin, health assistant regional director, said that most of the victims are children. The incessant rain which contaminated water sources was one of the factors identified that triggered the outbreak.

Water wells serve as the main source of drinking water for many residents of Zumarraga, a 5th class municipality of Samar province.

She said that their office immediately responded to the area to treat those patients who have been experiencing prolonged fever. Persons with this  illness usually have a sustained fever as high as 39C to 40C. They may also feel weak, or have stomach pains, headache, or loss of appetite.

“It’s really alarming for us because there were many who were affected with this outbreak. Based on diagnosis, affected residents have shown symptoms of typhoid fever,” said Asperin in an exclusive interview with The Star.

Health authorities have sent sample of stools to the Eastern Visayas Regional Medical Center for testing. The result will come out after one or two weeks, according to a DOH official.

Additionally, the DOH assistant regional chief believes that the outbreak has been occurring in the area but it was not immediately brought to the attention of top health officials since the outbreak has not reached alarming level.

Persons with typhoid fever carry the bacteria in the bloodstream and intestinal tract. In addition, a small number of persons, called carriers, recover from typhoid fever but continue to carry the bacteria. Both ill persons and carriers shed bacteria in their stools.

“We quickly contained the illness considering that the bacteria easily spread from one person to another. We’re always on our toes in our surveillance,” Asperin said.

Marissa Nicolasora, DOH regional information officer, said that they have conducted epidemiological investigation, water quality surveillance and analysis, promote water hygiene and sanitation activities and send logistic support.  

To protect persons from this deadly illness, health officials advised the public to avoid risky foods and drinks, eat foods that have been thoroughly cooked and that are still hot and steaming, avoid raw vegetables and fruits that cannot be peeled.

Vegetables like lettuce are easily contaminated and are very hard to wash well, and get vaccinated against typhoid fever, she said.