Typhoid case prompts Adelaide alert

A food handler diagnosed with typhoid has prompted SA Health to issue a public alert.

The employee worked part-time at the Stamford Grand Hotel at Glenelg in Adelaide.

A relative of the food handler also was diagnosed with typhoid.

There have been three cases in South Australia so far this year, compared with three last year and nine cases in 2011.

Chief medical officer Paddy Phillips said doctors were being asked to keep watch for anyone who might have been affected.

"There is an extremely low risk of the infection being passed on, but SA Health is asking doctors to be aware of the possibility in people who ate at the hotel between 14 December 2012 and 15 February 2013," he said.

Typhoid has an incubation period of about eight to 14 days, but can range from three to more than 60 days before any symptoms appear.

Professor Phillips gave an assurance it was now safe to dine at the Grand.

"There is no risk to anyone with current or future bookings at the Stamford Grand Hotel as the employee has been excluded from work since 15 February," he said.

Source: ABC News, 21 February 2013