Background - The occurrence of a cluster of locally acquired typhoid fever cases in January 2009 in the Lille metropolitan area prompted an investigation aimed at identifying the origin and source of the infection and optimizing the care of infected individuals. Patients and Methods - A case was defined as any person residing in the Lille metropolitan area who presented with symptoms suggestive of typhoid fever between January and March 2009. Results - A total of 16 cases of typhoid fever occurred between January 23 and March 22, 2009. The patients, none of whom had traveled, had all attended a community meal on January 10, 2009. A woman who had helped prepare the meal and had previously stayed in an endemic area was identified as an asymptomatic carrier of Salmonella Typhi. Conclusion - In France, while typhoid fever remains primarily an imported disease, the risk of a local outbreak nevertheless exists, and the diagnosis should be considered in individuals who have not traveled. The characteristics of this outbreak illustrate the importance of adhering to basic hygiene rules in the food service industry. (R.A.)