UK Alerts Public as Victorian-Era ‘Bleeding Disease’ Cases Surge to Record High

Typhoid Cases Hit Record High in the UK, Linked to Travel Risks

[Image: A health official holding a poster about typhoid prevention. Caption: UKHSA warns of rising typhoid infections among travelers.]

Typhoid fever, the bacterial illness that killed Queen Victoria’s husband, Prince Albert, in 1861, has reached record levels in the UK. Health officials reported 702 cases of typhoid and paratyphoid in 2024—an 8% increase from 2023. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) warns that antibiotic-resistant strains from countries like Pakistan are complicating treatment. Typhoid spreads via contaminated food or water and can cause fatal complications without prompt care.

Global Travel Links
Most UK cases are tied to travel to South Asia, particularly India, Bangladesh, and Pakistan. Poor sanitation in these regions increases risks. Typhoid causes high fever, headache, fatigue, and digestive issues, escalating to severe complications like internal bleeding if untreated. Antibiotics are typically effective, but rising drug resistance—now seen in Pakistan—poses a threat.

[Image: Historical portrait of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert. Caption: Prince Albert died of typhoid in 1861, nine months after this portrait was taken.]

Symptoms and Risks
Symptoms emerge 1–2 weeks after infection:

• Fever, headache, muscle pain
• Fatigue, cough, constipation
• Later stages: Nausea, diarrhea, rash

Without treatment, typhoid can trigger organ rupture or death. The UK sees fewer fatalities due to advanced healthcare, but vigilance is critical. A free NHS vaccine is available for travelers to high-risk areas, though no jab exists for paratyphoid.

Travel Precautions
Health experts urge precautions:

• Drink bottled water, avoid ice
• Eat cooked foods, skip raw produce
• Check NHS Travel Health Pro for advice

Dr. Philip Veal of UKHSA emphasizes planning: “Pregnant women or those conceiving should take extra care. Consult a healthcare professional before travel.”

Malaria Concerns
While typhoid rises, malaria cases dipped slightly to 1,812 in 2024 but remain higher than pre-pandemic levels. Early treatment is crucial, as delays can be deadly.

With summer travel peaking, awareness and prevention are key to curbing these infections.

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