Nine cases of typhoid fever, a highly contagious bacterial infection, have been confirmed in Columbus.
Dr. Mysheika Roberts at Columbus Public Health says each year they typically see just four cases. However this outbreak is still considered small and is not a danger to the general public.
Roberts says the nine individuals attended a party where they likely came in contact with the infection. She says Typhoid is more common in countries with less advanced sewer systems.
"Here in the U.S. we usually see it through contaminated foods," says Roberts. "Someone who has typhoid fever may have prepared food for others and they may have consumed it and got ill."
Roberts says if left untreated the infection can be fatal.
Editors Note: This story originally stated that the party took place in a pool. It did not.
