Provinces warned against XDR-typhoid threat

NIH issues advisory on disease which sees spike in cases

ISLAMABAD:

Even as the country grapples with the novel coronavirus (Covid-19) crisis, the National Institute of Health (NIH) has warned about the threat of XDR-Typhoid cases rising in the country.

In an advisory issued on Sunday, the health institute said that all provinces have been informed about the imminent threat posed by the XDR-typhoid. which generally sees a spike during the summer season.

The NIH has instructed the relevant institutions to take prompt measures against it.

The country has been witnessing cases of XDR typhoid since 2016, the circular said and added that the reports have suggested third-generation anti-biotic medicines are ineffective against it.

Three types of typhoid cases are being reported in the country while its symptoms include fever, abdominal pain, constipation, etc. therefore, its prompt diagnosis and treatment were necessary.

The circular also stated that the bacteria of typhoid enters the body through the mouth.

Young children are most vulnerable it however they look asymptomatic even if they contract it. Hence, NIH has recommended the administration of the typhoid vaccine to the infants.

Healthcare workers are less prone to typhoid due to precautionary measures which include sanitising hands.

The circular further said that it can easily be diagnosed through blood and urine tests and the duration of sickness lasts from six to 14 days.

Precautionary measures include better cleanliness of immediate surroundings as well as frequent hand-washing before cooking or consuming food. The NIH advisory suggested using boiled or mineral water for preventing the disease. People have also been advised not to purchase food items from roadside stalls.

It also recommended that doctors should initially conduct a blood culture test of a suspected patient before initiating treatment.

Published in The Express Tribune, July 20^th, 2020.