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Investigation of a Salmonella Typhi cluster among a Pacific Islander labour community in a fruit industry: perspective from a regional public health unit

  • 0Central Queensland Public Health Unit, Central Queensland Hospital and Health Service, Queensland, Australia.
Communicable Diseases Intelligence (2018) +

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September 30, 2025

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September 30, 2025

View abstract on PubMed

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

A Salmonella Typhi outbreak occurred in Australia among Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) workers. The likely source was chronic carriage, highlighting the need for enhanced health checks and vaccinations for migrant agricultural workers.

Area Of Science

  • Epidemiology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Public Health

Background

  • Australia's agricultural sector relies on immigrant workers, increasing the risk of introducing non-endemic diseases.
  • The Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) scheme has seen increased participation in regional agriculture.
  • This study investigates a Salmonella Typhi outbreak among PALM workers in Queensland.

Purpose Of The Study

  • To report on the response to a Salmonella Typhi outbreak in a vulnerable migrant worker population.
  • To identify the source and transmission dynamics of the outbreak.
  • To inform public health strategies for preventing future outbreaks.

Main Methods

  • Investigation of invasive Salmonella infections following Communicable Diseases Network Australia guidelines.
  • Active case finding within the at-risk PALM worker cohort.
  • Genomic sequencing to determine the source of infection.

Main Results

  • Three male cases of Salmonella Typhi infection (median age 31) were identified, all hospitalized and treated successfully.
  • No travel history or contact with typhoid cases reported among the infected individuals.
  • Genomic sequencing indicated chronic carriage as the likely source of the outbreak.

Conclusions

  • Increased PALM worker numbers in agriculture necessitate enhanced communicable disease surveillance.
  • Culturally appropriate hand hygiene education is crucial for migrant workers.
  • Pre-employment health screenings and vaccinations should be considered to mitigate outbreak risks.

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