Ottawa Public Health warns of locally-acquired cases of Typhoid fever

Ottawa Public Health (OPH) is warning residents across the capital of possible cases of Typhoid fever. 

According to a statement on the OPH website, symptoms or signs of this type of fever are present in those who may have a travel history to an endemic country. 

OPH says that between October 2018 and February 2022, they have received reports of five cases with similar whole-genome sequencing in Ottawa residents that appear to have been acquired locally. 

Typhoid fever or otherwise known as Salmonella Typhi is spread fecal-orally via consumption of contaminated food or water or direct contact. A chronic carrier state can develop in approximately two to five per cent of those infected, according to public health.

On average, OPH notes, four cases of internationally-acquired typhoid fever are reported per year in Ottawa. Local acquisition, they say, is unexpected and rare. 

The presentation and severity of Typhoid fever could vary with the onset of symptoms typically insidious and begins three to 60 days (and the usual range is eight to 14 days) after exposure.

Signs and symptoms may include high fever, headache, fatigue, anorexia, abdominal pain, diarrhea or constipation (the latter is more common in adults; vomiting and diarrhea more common in children), hepatosplenomegaly or intestinal bleeding in severe cases, and more occasionally, transient, maculopapular, rose-coloured truncal spots seen in the first week of fever. Blood culture is most sensitive in the first week of illness, prior to initiation of antibiotics. 

OPH says any possible suspected cases of Typhoid fever must be reported to public health immediately at 613-580-2424, ext. 24224. 

For after hours, on weekend or on holidays, the public can contact 3-1-1.