Typhoid patient dies from kidney related illness

A 22-year-old patient who was treated for Typhoid fever at the Dr George Mukhari Academic Hospital in Tshwane has died from kidney related sickness‚ the Gauteng department of health said on Monday.

It stressed that the patient’s typhoid fever had been “well managed and as such the fever was not the cause of her death” on Sunday.

“Typhoid fever does not kill when it is detected early and well managed clinically‚” the department added.

To prevent any spread of the fever however it appealed for good hygiene to be practised continually‚ which it said included:

• Washing hands thoroughly with soap and water after using the toilet‚ before handling food‚ eating and after handling a baby;

• Ensuring that all food is stored in a clean and cool place;

• Washing all fruits and vegetables before eating / cooking;

• Keeping the environment clean; and

• If unsure of water safety‚ boil or treat water with bleach before use.

“Anyone who suspects symptoms of Typhoid fever should immediately seek medical advice at their nearest clinic‚” the department advised.