Typhoid fever cases on the rise in KL

The number typhoid fever cases in the city have been on the rise, with 32 cases reported since August, and the public have been advised of observe personal and food hygiene to avoid infection.

Health director-general Datuk Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah said Titiwangsa recorded the highest number of typhoid fever at 16 cases, followed by Kepong (8), Lembah Pantai and Cheras (four cases respectively).

"No death due to this fever was reported so far," he said in a statement here Monday.

He said the KL Health Department was in the midst of conducting an epidemiological investigation in those areas to find the source the infection.

"The department had also opened an operations room to coordinate investigation activities and control of the fever, which was caused by salmonella typhi bacteria which contaminates food and drinks.

"A person will experience fever for one to three weeks after consuming contaminated food or drinks," he said.

Dr Noor Hisham said the department had also received notifications of seven cases of typhoid fever among construction workers in Cheras in the first week of August, and two of the 10 contacts examined were tested positive and were given treatment.

To date, 37 contacts, comprising family members, colleagues and food handlers were also screened and 24 food premises were inspected, he said.

Apart from that, 79 samples of stools and four samples of drinking water were also taken to detect the presence of salmonella typhi bacteria, but none was reported positive, he said.

"Examination will also be conducted at ice factories, besides monitoring and checking the system of water supply to ensure the cleanliness of water in Kuala Lumpur," he said, adding that the symptoms of the disease included fever, fatigue, diarrhea, constipation, headache and vomitting.