185228 Acute Typhoid Fever in Los Angeles County, 2000 to 2007

Tuesday, October 28, 2008: 9:05 AM

Curtis Croker, MPH , Acute Communicable Disease Control, Los Angeles County Public Health Dept., Los Angeles, CA
Roshan Reporter, MD MPH , Department of Public Health, Acute Communicable Disease Control, County of Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA
Rita Bagby, RN, MSN, PHN , Acute Communicable Disease Control Program, Los Angeles County Department of Public Health, Los Angeles, CA
Leticia Martinez, BSN MPA PHN , Department of Public Health, Acute Communicable Disease Control, County of Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA
Soodtida Tangpraphaphorn, MPH , Department of Public Health, Acute Communicable Disease Control, County of Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA
Jennifer Beyer, MPH , Department of Public Health, Acute Communicable Disease Control, County of Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA
Laurene Mascola, MD, MPH , Acute Communicable Disease Control Program, Los Angeles County Department of Public Health, Los Angeles, CA
BACKGROUND: Typhoid fever is an acute systemic infectious disease caused by Salmonella typhi which has no non-human reservoir. Recovered cases may become typhoid carriers who may pass the infection to others. Typhoid fever is a reportable disease in California. The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health (LACDPH) follows up on all reported cases to ensure treatment and minimize continued public health risk.

METHODS: A review of acute typhoid fever cases reported from 2000-07 was performed. Epidemiological case history forms were reviewed. Demographics, travel history and case clearance were assessed.

RESULTS: There were 147 typhoid fever cases reported to LACDPH from 1/1/2000 through 1/1/2007. Cases were primarily young (mean age 25 years), Hispanic (43%, n=68) or Asian (47%, n=68), and just as likely to be male or female (F:M=1:1). A majority of cases (69%, n=102) reported recent foreign travel. Common travel destinations included Asia (46%, n=68), Central America (17%, n=25) and South America (5%, n=7). Cases with no travel history were usually traced to a previously undiagnosed carrier. LACDPH was successful in clearing almost all cases (93%, n=127) that remained in the county (n=136).

CONCLUSION: The majority of Salmonella typhi infections in LAC are acquired during travel abroad, however occasional transmission still occurs in LAC. The LACDPH case management program has been successful in clearing acute cases and preventing new typhoid cases from occurring.

Learning Objectives:
1.List common symptoms and demographics of recently reported typhoid fever cases in Los Angeles County. 2.List common travel locations where recent Los Angeles County cases have acquired infection. 3.Describe the utility of the County's follow up program to clear typhoid fever carriers

Keywords: Communicable Disease, Surveillance

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Qualified on the content I am responsible for because: Masters in Public Health (UCLA)
Any relevant financial relationships? No

I agree to comply with the American Public Health Association Conflict of Interest and Commercial Support Guidelines, and to disclose to the participants any off-label or experimental uses of a commercial product or service discussed in my presentation.

See more of: Infectious Disease Surveillance
See more of: Epidemiology