City on high alert for disease outbreaks
CITY health officials remained on high alert for disease outbreaks among children, especially those under the age of five.
Aside from it being diarrhoea season, there is also an increase in cases in other communicable diseases, including pertussis, typhoid, and listeria. Safety and security; and social services Mayco member JP Smith said there had been a decline in the number of diarrhoea-related deaths, and diarrhoea with dehydration in recent years.
But the drop in diarrhoea cases was followed by an increase in pneumonia in children under five.
“These diseases present a significant and costly challenge to the City. Not only are staff and resources under pressure, but the outbreak of any disease also puts lives and livelihoods at risk.”
Last year, there were 26 cases of typhoid fever reported in the City. It is spread through contaminated food or drink and symptoms include fever, stomach pains and sometimes a rash.
“City clinics have regular health talks about the prevention of water and food-borne diseases and diarrhoea danger signs. Health-care facilities ensure that individuals who are sick and dehydrated (especially children) are fasttracked to prevent disease progression.”
Listeriosis is the latest outbreak to hit the country, with the National Institute for Communicable Diseases reporting 748 cases and 67 deaths. It is spread through the consumption of contaminated food, the most common being vegetables, raw or unpasteurised milk and soft cheeses, processed foods and smoked fish.
Five key food safety tips:
Wash your hands thoroughly.
Separate raw and cooked food.
Cook food thoroughly.
Keep food at safe temperatures.
Use clean water and fresh food.