HARARE: Health officials in Zimbabwe’s capital, Harare, have detected several cases of typhoid fever in the past week, adding to fears that a water crisis will fuel the spread of infectious diseases.

The city’s health director, Prosper Chonzi, said six cases of typhoid had been confirmed, with more expected to emerge.

“The conditions on the ground — frequent water cuts and poor sanitation — are conducive to a typhoid outbreak,” he said.

Last year, more than 40 people in Harare were hospitalised due to typhoid, a bacteral infection that causes fever, headaches and constipation or diarrhoea.

Health officials have been deployed to affected areas including Hopley, a sprawling township without sewers and tap water, to contain the situation and identify suspected cases.

Published in Dawn, January 30th, 2016