Dozens of returning travelers from Cambodia reported positive for Paratyphoid A fever: ECDC
The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) is reporting a higher than usual number of cases of Paratyphoid A fever in returning travelers from Cambodia, according to a recent ECDC Rapid Risk Assessment.
Since March 2013, 34 cases of paratyphoid A fever have been reported among travellers returning from Cambodia, including 30 among EU travellers.
Image/CIA
This compares with only two cases of the bacterial disease found in Cambodia travelers last year.
According to the investigation, cases occurred over several months with a recent increase in August which suggests a common persistent source.
European health officials say additional cases may occur; however, spread within the EU through secondary transmission is expected to be limited.
Paratyphoid A fever is a systemic disease caused by the bacteria Salmonella Paratyphi A. Humans can carry the bacteria in the gut for a significant period of time (chronic carriers), and can transmit the bacteria to other persons (either directly or via food or water contamination). After an incubation period of one to two weeks, a disease characterized by high fever, malaise, cough, rash and enlarged spleen can develop. Diarrhea may be present during the course of the illness.
Ingestion of contaminated food or water is the most common mode of transmission. In Asia and Africa, raw shellfish from sewage contaminated waters, raw fruit and vegetables fertilized by night soil and eaten raw are important vehicles.
There is no effective vaccine available against paratyphoid A infection. Good food handling practices and personal
hygiene are the only prevention measures.
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