Typhoid outbreak suspected in Guatemala City school
Typhoid outbreak suspected in Guatemala City school
The Ministry of Public Health and Assistance Social of Guatemala reported that on June 4 it identified an outbreak of typhoid fever in a classroom in an institute in Zone 1 of the capital.
Officials note that of the 24 students, 16 students and a teacher have presented symptoms of typhoid. In addition, nine family members also presented with similar symptoms.
Faced with this situation, the Health Center of Zone 1, with the support of the Departmental Directorate of Integrated Networks of Central Guatemala Health Services, acted with the taking samples for culture that were sent to the National Laboratory for analysis.
Typhoid fever is suspected based on the clinical characteristics; however this will be confirmed with the results of the Directorate of the National Health Laboratory.
Among other measures, samples of water and food for sale in the interior and the surroundings of the establishment; in addition, the respective documentation will be requested such as health and food handling card.
Typhoid fever is a serious disease caused by Salmonella Typhi (Typhi) bacteria. The bacteria spread through contaminated food and water and person-to-person contact.
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Symptoms of typhoid fever include high fever, weakness, stomach pain, headache, constipation or diarrhea, cough, and loss of appetite. Typhoid fever can be fatal without appropriate antibiotic treatment.