Numerous typhoid diseases after hippie meetings

Typhoid cases are usually rare in Europe
Several people contracted typhoid after participating in a so-called "rainbow gathering" in the northern Italian Alps. The European Center for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) informs this in a recent communication. According to the French authorities, the ECDC had reported the cases of three infected participants to the ECDC on 10 September. Two days later another case from Germany became known. Typhus is usually rare in Europe. If the disease remains untreated, it can take a life-threatening course.

Participants meet in remote area in northern Italy
After a rainbow gathering in Tramonti di Sopra, Italy, several participants contracted typhus. The international meeting of supporters of various subcultures, such as Ecologists, peace and environmental activists, hippies, dropouts and esotericists as well as doctors, students, families with children, etc. had taken place from 23 July to 21 August in the municipality of Friuli Venezia Giulia (Province of Pordenone). As usual for Rainbow Gatherings, this year's "Rainbow Family" gathering took place in an extremely secluded environment that could only be reached over a several-hour walk.

After a hippie meeting in Italy, several people are suffering from typhus. The main symptoms of the disease are high fever, fatigue and severe diarrhea. (Image: JackF / fotolia.com)

Authorities suspect a connection with other cases
According to the information, following the meeting, three participants in typhoid fever were reported to the ECDC by the French authorities on 10 September. Two days later, the German authorities informed about a victim. In addition, more cases are likely to be related to the meeting, according to the ECDC.

Typhus is caused by the bacterium Salmonella typhi and is usually very rare in Europe. However, in many parts of the world, the infectious disease is endemic and, according to the ECDS, causes about 21 million cases of disease and 222,000 deaths each year worldwide. The incubation period for typhus is usually one to two weeks, but may take up to 60 days. Typical symptoms include high fever, tiredness, fatigue, headache and a low heart rate. On top of that, there are often blockages at the beginning, followed by erythropoietic diarrhea. In Germany, the disease is notifiable. (No)