11 Jun 2010

Initial Fiji typhoid response phase nearly completed

4:18 pm on 11 June 2010

Fiji's Ministry of Health is working towards improving water safety as it completes its response to the typhoid outbreak three weeks ago in Navosa.

Almost 190 people were diagnosed with typhoid symptoms and have been treated with antibiotics and more than 4,000 people over the age of two have been vaccinated.

A ministry spokesperson, Iliesa Tora, says improving water standards is vital in limiting diseases like typhoid.

"The Ministry of Health and government and donor agencies are also working on bringing in proper water systems for the people, especially seeing as most of the water that is used up in upper Narvosa area is untreated."

Mr Tora says there are plans to put in bore holes and install tanks in some of the more remote villages.

15 villages and 12 settlements have been visited by public health teams involved in the campaign and followup meetings.

Inspections will continue over the next month to ensure people continue to follow proper hygiene practices.

The state of Public Health Emergency will remain in place for another month.