Antibiotic Resistant Typhoid Imported into Ireland

The Irish Health Protection Surveillance Centre reported an increase in reported typhoid fever cases in travellers returning from Pakistan. As of 9 October 2019, there have been 23 cases of typhoid fever. At least 3 of these cases of typhoid fever with a travel history in Pakistan were infected with extensively antibiotic-resistant (XDR) strains.

According to the World Health Organization, Pakistan has reported an increase in XDR strains of typhoid fever since 2016. As of August 2019, more than 10,300 cases of XDR typhoid fever were reported from 23 districts in the province of Sindh with the Karachi district being the most affected,

Advice

This is the 1st time that cases of XDR typhoid fever have been identified by the Irish reference laboratory. Travellers to the affected area in Pakistan can reduce their risk of exposure to typhoid fever by being cautious and avoiding consuming contaminated food or water. Vaccination against typhoid fever is recommended, especially if unsafe food or water cannot be avoided.