Typhoid rates in Fraser Health have increased threefold since 2000. The vast majority of cases of typhoid fever occur in travelers returning from abroad. This includes visitors to South Asia - a region comprising of India, Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka. On average, more than 80% of typhoid fever cases in Fraser Health are connected with travel to India, mostly to Punjab state, says the Fraser Health Authority.
This situation is not unique to Fraser Health: many BC residents used to live in India and neighbouring countries and travel back to visit family and friends during the winter peak travel season. Provincial Medical Health Officer, Dr. Perry Kendall said: "Since living in Canada, the level of immunity of many residents against diseases like typhoid may have dropped. Even children born in Canada and going to visit the Indian subcontinent may be exposed to diseases not commonly found in Canada."
Travelers are exposed to the bacteria that cause typhoid fever by eating contaminated food and drink. Dr. Eleni Galanis, Physician Epidemiologist from the BC Centre for Disease Control (an agency of the Provincial Health Services Authority) reminded all travelers, including former residents of the Indian subcontinent, that there are preventive measures that should be taken against typhoid fever. "There is a vaccine available through travel medicine clinics that can help to reduce the risk of infection," Dr. Galanis pointed out. "However, the vaccine is not 100% effective so travelers must still be careful about what they eat and drink."
Travelers should visit a travel medicine clinic prior to going abroad to get immunized and obtain additional information specific to their destination. "Travelers should book an appointment with a travel medicine clinic as soon as travel arrangements have been made," recommended Jason Stone, Fraser Health Communicable Disease Practitioner. "Ideally this should be done several months before travel since some vaccines require several doses. No matter how tight your travel timelines do get the necessary immunization and protection - it could prevent unnecessary illness for you and your loved ones."
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