Drug-resistant typhoid to outbreak in Pakistan; warns US

United States health representatives have issued a warning to Pakistan about an outbreak of drug resistant typhoid in the country. Travelers going to Pakistan or any other country in South Asia have been advised to get a typhoid vaccination and stay away from contaminated water or food.

According to Telegraph, Several people who were travelling to Pakistan suffered from the disease when they returned to their home countries. According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) observations, level-2 alert had been triggered. This typhoid is caused by Salmonella typhi bacteria and is extremely contagious. “All travelers to Pakistan are at risk of getting XDR typhoid fever. Those who are visiting friends or relatives are at higher risk than are tourists and business travelers,” the CDC warned.

The people suffering from this epidemic are having symptoms like diarrhea, stomach pain, fever, constipation and headache. It can kill if left untreated. More than 200,000 deaths have occurred up till now with around 21 million cases worldwide each year.

The outbreak of XDR typhoid fever began in November 2016 in Hyderabad. Apart from Hyderabad, multiple cities including Karachi have become a victim of this perilous disease. Several people have died due to this epidemic.

Public health authorities in Pakistan have started typhoid vaccination campaigns in the districts which have been affected the most. People who are suffering from typhoid related fever are being immediately identified by the doctors. Educational messages are being conveyed by the officials about cleanliness, safe water and food practices along with proper hand washing.