Typhoid hits Milne Bay
Wed Dec 24, 2008 12:00pm
Authorities in Alotau have revealed at least 20 confirmed cases of
typhoid fever from areas around Losuia station on Kiriwina Island in
the Milne Bay Province.
Most cases reported to the Losuia Health Center have been treated and
listed for follow-ups for close monitoring.
The situation was first detected in March this year.
The way of life of the Trobriand Islands people has seen them get by
without proper toilet but health authorities are moving into the area
to encourage proper hygiene and the importance of proper toilet
facilities.
Milne Bay Provincial Health Advisor Jack Purai said they have to work
fast to contain the infection and a team from his office has been on
the island for three weeks now.
He said they are working meticulously to undertake field
investigations, case diagnosis and conduct community mobilization and
awareness prevention campaign programs.
They are also alerting the islanders to immediately take anyone
feeling feverish to their nearest health facility for a check while
strongly urging them to take every measure to make their living area
germ-free to curb the typhoid spread. |
