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http://www.fijitimes.com/story.aspx?ref=archive&id=141180

 

Typhoid stays at 99 

Tuesday, March 02, 2010 

THE number of typhoid cases in the country has remained at 99 as the Ministry of 
Health is yet to conduct more tests on suspected cases. 

These 99 cases come from the Central Division as well as the Western Division. 

Deputy secretary Public Health Dr Jo Koroivueta said they did not conduct more tests 
in the weekend as officials were occupied with the tsunami warning that was issued 
for the country. 

Dr Koroivueta said it was important that they verified the cases before releasing the 
numbers. 

During the weekend, there were 30 suspected cases of typhoid. 

These cases were from Waibasaga Village in Naitasiri, where the victims were 
reported to suffering from diarrhoea, which is a symptom of typhoid. 

The number of typhoid cases is expected to rise in the coming weeks as Ministry of 
Health officials continue their inspections and investigations into communities where 
typhoid has been identified. 

The inspections will also cover hygiene. It takes three to four days before the result of 
tests can be known. 

Last week, officials from the ministry and the Fiji Red Cross visited some rural areas 
in the battle to eliminate the spread of typhoid.