Asia-Pacific

Typhoid spreading in Fiji, 99 infected

(Xinhua)
Updated: 2010-03-02 15:15
Large Medium Small

WELLINGTON: An outbreak of typhoid in Fiji was spreading rapidly, with 99 people now confirmed with the disease, New Zealand media reported on Tuesday.

Related readings:
Typhoid spreading in Fiji, 99 infected Fiji business executives to travel to Shanghai for Expo
Typhoid spreading in Fiji, 99 infected Donation proves fertile for Fiji's farmers

Fiji deputy secretary of public health Josefa Koroivueta said 55 people have been infected with typhoid in the past week and the illness is spreading to new areas, Radio New Zealand International reported.

Typhoid is transmitted by bacteria and the health ministry suspects contaminated water to be the source in one area, and food in the other areas.

Fijiian health teams are in the affected areas to educate the public about good hygiene and to help contain the outbreak, Koroivueta said.