November 21, 2009 11:43 AM

Typhoid Outbreak In Mozambique's Western Province

MAPUTO, Nov 21 (Bernama) -- Typhoid fever, which has a high lethality rate if it is not treated immediately, has struck 111 people in Tsangano district in the western Mozambican province of Tete, the Mozambique News agency (AIM) reported citing a local daily.

So far, 17 people died after having contracted the disease.

Ministry of Health spokesperson Leonardo Chavane told reporters that this disease spreads due to poor hygiene and infected water.

"It also will spread through faecal contamination," Chavane said, adding that teams of health workers are now in Tsangano, educating the local population on how to treat water so that it becomes safe to drink, and on the hygiene measures necessary to avoid infection.

As for the Mozambican outbreak of swine flu, Chavane said the situation is stationary.

Over the past week, a further two suspected cases were identified, bringing the total to 130.

However, only 57 cases have been confirmed, and to date there have been two deaths.

-- BERNAMA

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