‘Fears put to rest’ over typhoid

The family and church affected by a typhoid outbreak that infected at least 18 people and saw one woman die have met with the health service to ensure their concerns are heard.

A family spokesman says many of their fears have been allayed.

The woman, 52, died nearly a fortnight ago but delays in informing those close to her, and misinformation about which church she had attended, caused confusion and panic in the Samoan Assemblies of God community.

Those close to the woman had hugged and kissed her while she lay dying, not knowing she had typhoid.

On Friday the Auckland Regional Public Health Service admitted it had regrets about how it had handled its communications, although it was happy with how it dealt with the outbreak from a health perspective.

It has since met with the woman’s family and church, the Mt Albert Samoan Assembly of God.

Family spokesman Jerome Mika had previously said the health service dropped the ball but now he was very positive about developments.

“Many of the community’s fears have been put to rest, and there is strong commitment on both sides to work together,” Mika said in a joint statement issued by the church, the family and the health service.

Public health physician William Rainger added: “We have spoken personally with the family and church congregation and gained a deeper understanding of their concerns.

“I hope we have been able to reassure the community that typhoid is a very treatable disease, that this outbreak is under control, and the risk of new cases is low.”

The number of cases stands at 18.