Typhoid outbreak

ing contests for one, and also world titles and things like that as well.

‘‘We’re trying to get out there as much as we can to say this happens – not only in cricket, football and whatever, but in dog grooming, believe it or not.’’

Awards line the walls of the Christchurch groomers where Case-Peters works.

She has been grooming about nine years and showing dogs since she was a child.

Speerin has been on the scene for about 15 years and runs boarding kennels and a grooming school.

’’We’ve actually trained people from New Zealand. We have a salon and a supplies company ‘‘It’s not work, it’s our life.’’ Case-Peters said she thought the fact it was a hobby as well played a part in her successes.

‘‘It’s exciting to make them look from drab to fab, I suppose you could catchphrase it.

‘‘They are somebody’s fourlegged family member, so you have to treat them with a lot of respect.’’

Despite her skillset, Case-Peters has never had an interest in training to become a hairdresser.

‘‘I don’t do people … we don’t have to talk to our customers.’’ 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.