Shiloh
Editor, Senior Moderator
Source: http://www.fijitimes.com/story.aspx?id=147281
Medics hunt for cause of deaths
Theresa Ralogaivau
Thursday, May 27, 2010
TWO people have died as an outbreak of shigellosis hit Wainunu and Kubulau districts in Bua.
Divisional medical officer Northern Dr Samuela Korovou confirmed that two teams of health officials were conducting case investigations in the areas to determine the source of the outbreak.
Dead are a 10-month-old baby and a 64-year-old man.
Ten others were confirmed to be infected with the disease and were treated accordingly.
Dr Korovou said shigellosis which induces dysentery or passing blood stained faeces and high fever is caused by oral faecal route transmission like typhoid.
"They died from an electrolyte imbalance caused by severe dehydration leading from chronic diarrhoea," he said.
"It also presents symptoms similar to typhoid and is treatable provided sick people are brought to the hospital in time."
He said the two deceased contracted the disease at a gathering a fortnight ago.
"Their deaths were avoidable if villagers had seen the sense of taking them to the hospital."
Medics hunt for cause of deaths
Theresa Ralogaivau
Thursday, May 27, 2010
TWO people have died as an outbreak of shigellosis hit Wainunu and Kubulau districts in Bua.
Divisional medical officer Northern Dr Samuela Korovou confirmed that two teams of health officials were conducting case investigations in the areas to determine the source of the outbreak.
Dead are a 10-month-old baby and a 64-year-old man.
Ten others were confirmed to be infected with the disease and were treated accordingly.
Dr Korovou said shigellosis which induces dysentery or passing blood stained faeces and high fever is caused by oral faecal route transmission like typhoid.
"They died from an electrolyte imbalance caused by severe dehydration leading from chronic diarrhoea," he said.
"It also presents symptoms similar to typhoid and is treatable provided sick people are brought to the hospital in time."
He said the two deceased contracted the disease at a gathering a fortnight ago.
"Their deaths were avoidable if villagers had seen the sense of taking them to the hospital."