The Centre for Health Protection has confirmed two typhoid cases, bringing the total since November 25 to 17.

The two involved a man and a woman, both 28, who lived in Sheung Shui and Yuen Long. The man developed fever, chills and abdominal pain at the end of November and is being treated at North District Hospital. The woman got a fever and abdominal pain on January 4 and was admitted to Tuen Mun Hospital. Both are stable.

Both have no recent travel history.

The centre and the Food & Environmental Hygiene Department are investigating any possible links between the newly notified cases living in Yuen Long and other previous cases in the district. The investigations focus on possible common food vehicles or food handlers among these cases.

Enforcement against illegal food hawkers in Yuen Long has been stepped up to reduce the chance of typhoid spreading before more definitive investigation results are available.

So far six cases have been reported this year. The figures for 2004 and 2005 are 53 and 36.