The number of typhoid fever cases continues to rise, with over 50 cases reported as of yesterday.

Health Minister Dr S Subramaniam confirmed this figure with the media today.

“I think it’s 50 over cases till yesterday,” he said at a press conference in Kuala Lumpur.

Nevertheless, Subramaniam ( photo ) said his officers were currently on the ground, checking food outlets as well as checking on people who have not been vaccinated against the disease, particularly food handlers.

“My message to the public is (that) you have to practise healthy eating habits.

“It (typhoid) is spread through contaminated water and food; so long as we take care of that, we’ll be able to control this,” he said.

As of Monday last week, 32 typhoid cases were reported since August.

No death has, however, been reported due to the fever.

The fever is caused by the bacteria salmonella typhi and is spread by eating food or water contaminated with waste matter from an infected person.

Symptoms of the disease included fever, fatigue, diarrhea, constipation, headache and vomiting.