Typhoid is rising in the UK and showing drug resistance

Public health data show 702 imported cases of typhoid and paratyphoid in the UK in 2024, an 8% increase from 2023. Reports note a transferable resistance gene, blaNDM-5, and prior outbreaks of extensively drug-resistant typhoid in South Asia.

The UK Health Security Agency reported an increase in imported typhoid and paratyphoid cases in 2024, described as the highest number recorded. Symptoms commonly begin within three weeks of infection and can include fever, headache, cough, chills, aches, fatigue, constipation and loss of appetite. Coverage highlights the identification of a transferable antibiotic-resistance gene called blaNDM-5 in recent samples. The reporting also refers to prior outbreaks of extensively drug-resistant typhoid in parts of South Asia. What officials reported: - The UK Health Security Agency recorded 702 imported cases of typhoid and paratyphoid in 2024, an 8% rise from 2023. - Symptoms are generally reported to appear within three weeks, sometimes up to six weeks, and include fever, headaches, cough, chills, body aches, fatigue, constipation and reduced appetite. - A drug-resistance gene described as blaNDM-5 was reported and is said to be transferable between different types of bacteria. - Since 2016, more than 15,000 cases of extensively drug-resistant typhoid have been reported in Pakistan, and resistant strains have been reported in Bangladesh, India and Nepal. Summary: Reported imported cases in the UK have risen to levels noted as the highest on record, and reporting highlights a transferable antibiotic-resistance gene identified in recent samples. Previous extensive drug-resistant outbreaks in South Asia are cited; next public health steps are undetermined at this time.