Importance of Travel in Domestically Acquired Typhoid Fever Infections: Opportunities for Prevention and Early Detection

Abstract

Approximately 25% of Salmonella typhi infections in the US occur among nontravelers. Two S. typhi infections in a major US metropolitan city acquired domestically in 2005 were epidemiologically linked to a S. typhi-infected Haitian traveler through their congregation meetings. This investigation highlighted the importance of integrating multiple methods of obtaining epidemiologic information, including laboratory evidence and multiple individual and group interviews. Physicians should consider typhoid fever in their differential diagnosis in communities with close ties to endemic areas. Education of communities whose residents travel regularly to typhoid-endemic areas can reduce infection and transmission risk.