Outbreak of typhoid shelter boat was probably caused by dirty water

As a result, the drinking water is very likely contaminated with bacteria. The GGD came to this conclusion after an investigation.

Dozens of people became ill with typhoid fever last month. 25 of them had to be hospitalized, GGD Kennemerland reports. In total, 46 residents and 20 employees of the emergency shelter on the ship Liberty Ann contracted typhoid fever.

Ship has been cleared

The ship was evicted a week after the outbreak and has been empty ever since. The drinking water tanks of the GGD may no longer be used. Laboratory research must show whether the bacteria could spread through the drinking water.

Typhoid

Typhoid fever is caused by a salmonella bacteria. It can spread through the feces of infected people.

The condition is treatable with antibiotics. In severe cases, patients may experience intestinal bleeding and perforation. 10 to 25 percent of patients die untreated, the RIVM calculates in a guideline. With adequate treatment, that is less than 1 percent.