Typhoid outbreak

Ten people are in hospital with typhoid in Auckland and more cases are expected.

Children and adults have been affected, and health experts were not sure of the origin of the outbreak but said it was likely to be Asia or the Pacific.

The first cases were notified late last week.

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

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 said typhoid is spread primarily through water and food but can be spread person to person.

Large outbreaks were uncommon in New Zealand.

The last major outbreak was in 2013 but in general there were about 20 to 30 cases a year.

He said the latest outbreak was likely from returning travellers.

‘‘The most likely thing that’s happened is somebody coming back and there’s been some spread in their group.’’

Sinclair said good basic handwashing is one of the best means of protection.

Typhoid is a fever caused by infection with salmonella typhi bacteria.

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.