Outbreak of typhoid confirmed in Auckland

Source: Auckland Regional Public Health Service

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An outbreak of typhoid in Auckland has seen 10 people hospitalised.

The Auckland Regional Public Health Service (ARPHS) is tracing people who have been in contact with the confirmed cases and is following usual protocols to control the spread of the disease.

Medical Officer of Health Dr David Sinclair says typhoid is spread primarily through water and food but can be spread person to person. Dr Sinclair says good basic hand-washing is one of the best means of protecting yourself.

Symptoms include a high fever developing over several days, headaches, general weakness and muscle aches. Stomach pain and constipation are also common but some people get diarrhoea.

It can be a serious illness and is potentially fatal but it can be treated with antibiotics.

ARPHS has alerted the health sector to the outbreak. Dr Sinclair urges anyone with those symptoms feeling very unwell to see their doctor or an after-hours clinic.

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About Auckland Regional Public Health Service

Auckland Regional Public Health Service (ARPHS) provides public health services on behalf of all three Auckland district health boards - Waitemata District Heath Board, Counties-Manukau Health and Auckland District Health Board, to the populations they serve. ARPHS is funded by the Ministry of Health and is based at the Greenlane Clinical Centre.

The Auckland Regional Public Health Service’s role is to protect and promote public health. This includes a statutory role in monitoring and advising on liquor licensing and smoke-free environments. The service works in disease control, it provides monitoring and expert advice on air and water quality and other environmental issues affecting public health. ARPHS plays an active role in regional planning, advising on policies, plans and regulations with a view to improving the health of all Aucklanders as the city grows.

ENDS

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