The Western Regional Health Authority is moving to allay fears about a possible typhoid outbreak in western Jamaica, with three cases of the disease detected in a community in Westmoreland.

Regional epidemiologist in the WRHA, Dr Janice Alexander, told JIS News that there was no need for alarm over the three cases of typhoid in the parish, noting that this number was normal for the area.

“The current situation of three cases, all confined to one family living in the same household, is not considered an outbreak,” she said. “It’s what we refer to as cluster cases. No other case has been reported outside of the particular household and the numbers reported are within normal expectancy, and do not exceed the usual levels.”

She pointed out that for the situation to be considered an outbreak, cases would have to be found in different areas. She made it clear, however, that the health department was carrying out all the necessary investigations and monitoring to ensure that everything was in place to control the disease.

Additionally, a reminder has been issued for persons living in communities previously affected by typhoid to take the necessary precautions by keeping their environment clean at all times; to remember to always wash hands after using the toilet, and before preparing food for consumption.

A typhoid outbreak was last experienced in Westmoreland in the 1990s, but since that was brought under control and the health department took measures to prevent a recurrence, there has not been another outbreak. In fact, in 1999 only six cases occurred in the parish, while from 2000 onwards, there had been only an average of three cases per year.