24 January 2007

Auckland Regional Public Health Service
Typhoid tests update

The Auckland Regional Public Health Service (ARPHS) continues to investigate the Typhoid fever cases in South Auckland but the negative results from the food handlers and other swabs taken at four South Auckland food outlets make it very unlikely that they were the source of the infection.

Dr Julia Peters, clinical director at ARPHS, says only one result from the four food outlets being investigated remains outstanding but analysis of those we have received today and over the past week, have returned negative for Typhoid. 

“Therefore it is highly unlikely that the four food outlets and their employee’s, are the source of the typhoid cluster and they are now all but eliminated from our investigations.

The remaining result is from an individual who has agreed to stay home from work until his results are received.  This person does not have direct involvement with food.

ARPHS acknowledges that members of the public and business communities in South Auckland are concerned about the impact its investigations were having but it is important that situations such as this are investigated so that potential on going risks to public health can be identified and eliminated.

Dr Peters asks that members of the public continue to take care of their hand hygiene and food preparation as these are basic but essential precautions against contracting and spreading gastoenteric infections.

“Hand washing with running water, and hand friction by vigorous rubbing with soap for 20 seconds and drying for a further 20 seconds on a clean dry towel is essential for the decontamination of dirty hands,” she says.

The Auckland Regional Public Health Service will continue to monitor this situation and provide further relevant information should it become available.

  Download ARPHS Fact Sheet for Typhoid Fever (PDF file)

For further information contact:

Dr Julia Peters
Clinical Director
Auckland Regional Public Health Service
Phone: 09 623 4600

Ends

Fleur King
External Communications Manager
Auckland District Health Board
Mobile: 021 804 122