All it took to get typhoid was a meal at the workplace

At Kisenyi Health Centre IV, tents have been erected to shield patients from the scorching sun as they wait to get treatment. photos by Racheal Mabala

What you need to know:

Kampala is still reeling under an outbreak of typhoid fever. But as Emmanuel Ainebyoona writes, its source might be closer than you imagine

My name is Peter Katumba, I am 32 years old, and a resident of Seguku on Entebbe Road. I was recently diagnosed with typhoid. When they gave me the results, I was shocked because I rarely eat out.
But after a careful analysis, I figured the source must be plates we use for lunch while at work. The challenge I have is that I cannot afford fine dining daily, so I have to make do with food from downtown eateries.
For these places, I am not sure where they get water to wash plates. I was even tempted to think it was the water I use for brushing my teeth but no one else in my household is unwell.
I was rudely brought back to reality when the nurse told me to make a fist so she could insert a cannula on my arm to administer the medicine.

How it all began
This all started about two weeks ago when I started experiencing joint pains, headache and fever. I believed then that I had malaria so I decided to purchase antimalarial drugs (Coartem) from a pharmacy at the cost of Shs6, 000.
However, on finishing the dose, I still did not feel any better. This time round I decided not to self-medicate. I went to a private clinic to test for typhoid where I was charged Shs10, 000.
The test turned out positive so I went to a pharmacy where I got some tablets to treat the disease.
But after another week, the fever had not gone down and I had intense abdominal pain.
I was tired of using my money to treat ailments that seemed not to go away.

Relief at lasy
At that time, an announcement was made that people could get treatment from Kisenyi Health Centre IV, so that is where I went.
At the health centre, I told them my history and they still insisted on testing me. When the test turned out positive, I was told they would give me medication at no cost.
This was a relief and it did not matter that I had waited for a couple of hours to see the doctor because of the long queue. I am still weak but I do not feel as bad as I did before starting the treatment.
I have to go to the centre daily for five days until all the five injections are complete. I also take multi-vitamins to boost my system.
I hope to resume work soon. Typhoid makes the body dehydrated so I was advised to take large quantities of water and juice. So far, I have spent about Shs150, 000 buying fruits to make juice. I make the juice myself to cast away any doubts of re-infection.

Kisenyi Health Centre IV
Since the government announced the outbreak of typhoid in Kampala, Wakiso and Mukono areas, designated health centres have seen an influx of patients.
Almost after every 20 or so minutes, a typhoid patient enters the isolation room at the Kisenyi Health Centre IV seeking treatment.
With the numbers of typhoid patients rising to more than 900 over the weekend, the compound at Kisenyi Health Centre IV is littered with patients seeking treatment. This has pushed the Uganda Red Cross to provide about five white tents to shield the patients from rain and the scorching sunshine.
One look in the tent and you are met with helpless stares from victims. One that stood out was a mother of three who, together with her children, were waiting for results because they have been unwell for the last two weeks.
Rose Acan, a senior nursing officer at Kisenyi Health Centre IV says typhoid fever is a potentially life-threatening illness if left untreated.
She says to avert further spread of the disease, observe personal and community hygiene, report symptoms of fever resistant to anti- malaria drugs, be careful with drinking water, avoid eating cold foods, eat well cooked vegetables and well washed fruits.

About typhoid

Typhoid is caused by bacteria from a group called salmonella. Its symptoms include: fever, abdominal pain, cough, joint pains and dizziness.
Laboratory investigations have revealed that the outbreak in Kampala is due to water sources containing faecal matter. Men are the most affected in this outbreak.
According to the Ministry of Health, the disease prone areas are communities around Nakasero Market, Disabled’s Market, New Taxi Park, Allen Road, Kinamwandu at Arua Park, Nabukeera Plaza, Qualicell, Owino Market and Total Petrol Station on Namirembe Road.

Precaution
Ministry of Health urges people to eat freshly prepared food, drink boiled water or bottled water and ensure the seal is not broken. People are also advised to wash their hands frequently using soap and water or a hand sanitiser before preparing food, eating or after using a toilet.