Typhoid cases surge in Kashmir as autumn season sets in

Srinagar, Sep 13: With the onset of the autumn season in Kashmir, healthcare institutes across the Valley are grappling with a noticeable rise in typhoid cases.

Doctors are witnessing a steady surge in patients at various medical centres, with hospitals in Srinagar reporting a significant increase in outpatient numbers. On average, the hospital is treating several outpatients daily, many presenting with symptoms related to seasonal illnesses like colds, coughs, body aches, vomiting, and loose motions.

Professor and Head of the Department of Community Medicine at Government Medical College (GMC) Srinagar, Dr Muhammad Salim Khan provided insight into this seasonal rise in typhoid cases. He clarified that this surge, although significant, does not indicate an outbreak.

“The rise in cases is linked to several factors typical of the autumn. The combination of fluctuating temperatures, poor food hygiene, consumption of impure water, and an increase in eating from outdoor vendors contributes to the spike in typhoid cases. Moreover, close contact with infected individuals exacerbates the spread,” Dr Khan said.

He emphasised the importance of preventive measures, urging the public to maintain strict hygiene, consume only clean drinking water, and be cautious of food safety.

Dr Khan stressed that these precautions were key to reducing the risk of infection during this vulnerable period. Complementing these remarks, Dr Showkat Shah, a critical care expert at Khyber Hospital, stressed the critical role of prevention in managing typhoid, especially in young children.

He underscored the importance of vaccination as the most effective way to safeguard against typhoid.

“Vaccination is the best way to prevent typhoid in babies and toddlers. The typhoid vaccine can be administered to babies older than six months, with the first dose at six months and a booster at two years of age,” Dr Shah advised.

He elaborated on essential hygiene practices to protect against typhoid.

Dr Shah emphasised the importance of using clean water for drinking and food preparation, suggesting the use of water filters or boiling water to ensure purity.

“Washing fruits and vegetables in clean water before consumption is also crucial, especially for babies," he said. Dr Shah urged parents to avoid feeding their children outside food, particularly uncooked meals, which can be breeding grounds for bacteria.

He also stressed the importance of practising hand hygiene before eating, after changing diapers, and after using the toilet, all of which are essential to curb the transmission of the bacteria that causes typhoid.

To further control the spread of typhoid, Dr Shah outlined several public health measures that should be prioritised.

“Firstly, identifying the source of infection is crucial—patients must be diagnosed, isolated, and treated promptly, while proper disinfection of the surroundings should be maintained to prevent contamination,” he said. Dr Shah also highlighted the vital role sanitation plays in reducing typhoid transmission.

“Typhoid is rarely a problem in areas with a clean and reliable domestic water supply,” he said, calling for better water management systems, especially in rural and underserved areas.

Dr Shah also recommended that food be cooked well and consumed on the same day to prevent contamination. He said immunisation was another key measure as a preventive approach, noting that vaccination could serve as an important prophylactic tool in keeping typhoid at bay.