Cyclone-hit Fiji Risks Typhoid, Cholera Outbreak

A UN disaster official expressed fears Monday of a typhoid and cholera outbreak in Fiji following a cyclone last week that killed three people and destroyed more than 370 homes.

Hamish Weatherly, the Pacific emergency coordinator for the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF), said there was a risk of the potentially deadly waterborne disease typhoid spreading rapidly after the major storm.

Typhoid and Paratyphoid Enteric Fevers
Typhoid and Paratyphoid Enteric Fevers are caused by bacteria called Salmonella typhi. Causes, symptoms, diagnosis and treatment of Typhoid and Paratyphoid Enteric Fevers are discussed.

There had already been a typhoid outbreak before the category four Cyclone Tomas hit the north and east of Fiji on Monday and Tuesday last week with winds averaging 175 kilometres (110 miles) an hour.

"UNICEF Pacific office is responding to the emergency with specific attention to water, sanitation and hygiene, given that cases of typhoid and cholera are likely to rise in the coming days," Weatherly said.

Fiji's health authorities reported three cases of diarrhoea with blood, a possible sign of typhoid, on a northern island.

Cholera
Cholera is an infection of the small intestine and is caused by the bacterium Vibrio cholerae.

The Ministry of Health warned people to boil water or use purification tablets before drinking it.

National Disaster Management Office operations officer Anthony Blake said according to early assessments, 376 homes had been destroyed in the cyclone and another 423 were damaged.

Water Borne Diseases
Waterborne diseases are communicable diseases caused by diseases causing microorganisms in contaminated water. It is more prevalent during floods and in tsunami affected areas.

Source-AFP
SRM

Waterborne Disease
Interactive section of Medindia gives details regarding waterborne disease