Extensively drug-resistant Salmonella Typhi in the USA

04 Mar 2021

The United States CDC have, from November 2019 to January 2021, reported 9 cases of extensively drug-resistant (XDR) Salmonella Typhi infections with no link to international travel. Annually in the USA, there are approximately 350 diagnosed cases of typhoid fever.

Advice to travellers

Typhoid is an illness caused by infection with the bacteria Salmonella Typhi. It is spread by consuming food and drink that has been contaminated with human faeces or urine (faecal-oral route). As with all illnesses spread by the faecal-oral route, travellers are advised that the following food and water precautions should be taken:

• Avoid consumption of potentially contaminated drinks.
• Ensure food is uncontaminated and cooked thoroughly.
• Personal hygiene when eating and drinking; hand washing prior to eating and using clean plates, cups and utensils.

When to consider vaccination

Typhoid vaccination recommendations are available on the individual country pages.

For further information see the Typhoid page.