Child in Palmerston North hospital with typhoid, another tests positive

One patient is in hospital and the other being treated with antibiotics.

One of two children diagnosed with typhoid in Palmerston North has family links to the recent outbreak in Auckland.

A teenager is in Palmerston North Hospital being treated for the infectious disease. A preschooler, who is being treated with antibiotics, has a family link to the Auckland outbreak.

MidCentral District Health Board confirmed the teenager tested positive last week for a blood infection and was now in isolation.

Medical Officer of Health Dr Patrick O'Connor said the strain isolated from the younger child was identical to the Auckland cases, strongly suggesting this was the source of the infection.

The health board contacted the centre, parents and caregivers before taking samples from the children and staff today.

O'Connor said everyone who has had contact with the teen in hospital had tested negative for typhoid.

"We will continue to work closely with the family and wider community to ensure that they receive the necessary information to keep themselves safe," he said.