The number of confirmed cases in the Auckland typhoid outbreak has risen to 18 and is likely to grow.

Photo: 123RF

The Auckland Regional Public Health Service (ARPHS) said there was one more probable case and a further two being investigated.

One woman with the illness died last Tuesday. Six others were in hospital.

The health service said the outbreak might have plateaued, as only a few new cases had arisen.

All cases were connected to the same Samoan Assembly of God church group, which meets in Mt Roskill.

Those considered to be at highest risk of contracting typhoid were being closely monitored.

The health service has come under fire for its handling of the large typhoid outbreak in the city.

Yesterday it said it could not have warned anyone, as it did not know the woman had typhoid until she died.

Typhoid has a typical incubation period of eight to 14 days, but it could be up to 80 days.

The disease is usually spread by eating food or drinking water contaminated with faeces or urine from a person who had it, or who was a carrier of the bacteria.

ARPHS doctor William Rainger said it was a serious illness, but it was not easy to pick up from others.

He urged anyone with health concerns to contact Healthline or a health provider.

Typhoid kills about 200,000 people globally each year, most in the developing world.