DRUG-RESISTANT TYPHOID FEVER IN PAKISTAN
An outbreak of extensively drug-resistant (XDR) typhoid fever has been reported in Pakistan.
During November 2016 an outbreak of extensively drug-resistant (XDR) typhoid was reported from the Sindh region of Pakistan, including the cities of Hyderabad and Karachi. As of January 2018, 2,089 confirmed cases are reported, however new cases continue to be reported. During 2018, cases have been reported in returning travellers to the UK and the United States.
Advice for travellers
Typhoid is transmitted through the ingestion of food or water that has been heavily contaminated by the Salmonella Typhi bacterium. It can be passed in the faeces of persons who are acutely ill or from chronic (long-term) carriers of the infection. All travellers should practise food and water hygiene precautions.
This outbreak of XDR typhoid also highlights the importance of vaccination for travellers. Typhoid vaccination is recommended for most travellers to Pakistan. Both oral and injectable vaccines are available. If your children are too young to benefit fully from typhoid vaccination, you must take scrupulous care with personal, food and water hygiene measures. If you have recently travelled to or been in contact with someone who has recently travelled to Pakistan and develop symptoms, seek medical attention and tell your GP about your travel history.