The Ministry of Health and Medical Services has revealed five deaths due to Typhoid this year.

Permanent Secretary Dr James Fong said the deaths were recorded in the Western Division.

He revealed there were outbreaks within communities in Ra, Lautoka, and Nadi.

He said the deaths recorded were an 18-year-old, a 45-year-old and a 22-year-old from Ra; a 51-year-old from Lautoka; and a one-year-old from Lautoka.

There have been 53 cases of typhoid fever this year, with seven in the past week, six from the Western Division and one from the Northern Division.

Dr Fong said nationally typhoid cases were within the number expected for this time of the year.

“Typhoid fever is typically found in areas that do not have access to proper toilet fa­cilities and/or clean drinking water.

“We strongly encourage people who live in rural areas, informal urban areas, and any other areas where access to clean drinking water is limited, to boil all drinking water.”

Dr Fong has urged the public to continue to practise basic hygiene measures such as frequently washing hands with soap and water, especially after visiting the toilet and before eating or preparing food.

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