Travel-associated typhoid and paratyphoid fever cases reach highest numbers in the UK
UK health officials report an increase in travel-associated enteric fever cases (typhoid fever and paratyphoid fever cases) in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, with 702 cases in 2024, an 8% rise from 2023 (645 cases).
This is the highest number of cases recorded annually to date.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) said the following about these diseases:
Typhoid and paratyphoid fever are serious preventable illnesses caused by Salmonella bacteria, usually spread through contaminated food or water. In the UK, most cases of enteric fever are acquired abroad, commonly in regions with poor hygiene and sanitation. Previous surveillance has also highlighted a concerning rise in antibiotic-resistant typhoid in Pakistan, which reduces the effectiveness of commonly used antibiotics, impacting the response to treatment, and increasing the risk of complications. A free typhoid vaccination is available from GP surgeries for some travellers, though no vaccine exists for paratyphoid.
“It is important that travellers remain alert and plan ahead of going abroad – even if you’re visiting friends and relatives abroad or it’s somewhere you visit often”, Dr Philip Veal, Consultant in Public Health at UKHSA said.