cases of persistent fever, diarrhea, and general […]

cases of persistent fever, diarrhea, and general body weakness continue to rise in many communities, fears of a possible typhoid outbreak have begun to grow among residents.

According to Emmanuel Ngoma, a Pharmacy Technologist at Pearl of Health Hospital, there has been a noticeable increase in the number of people with prescribed typhoid medication, especially antibiotics, during this period.

However, he warned that many people are taking medication without proper laboratory tests, leading to dangerous consequences.

Speaking in an interview, Ngoma, described typhoid as a serious bacterial infection caused by Salmonella typhi, a bacteria commonly transmitted through contaminated food and untreated water.

 “Typhoid is usually transmitted from contaminated or untreated water. It can also spread when someone uses the too and does not wash their hands properly before handling food,” Ngoma said.

Ngoma explained that the disease spreads mainly through fecal-oral transmission, where infected particles are transferred from unwashed hands into food or water consumed by another person.

He noted that the most common symptoms include prolonged fever, weakness, diarrhea, constipation, and abdominal pain, urging members of the public to seek medical attention immediately instead of diagnosing themselves at home.

Ngoma further cautioned that self-medication is contributing to antimicrobial resistance, a situation where bacteria become resistant to antibiotics due to unnecessary exposure.

“People who previously had typhoid often advise others with similar symptoms to use the same medication without testing. This creates resistance because the bacteria learn how to defend themselves against the antibiotics,” he said.

He also highlighted that children remain among the most vulnerable groups due to poor hygiene and exposure to contaminated food and water.

Article by Catherine Phiri