Typhoid

Typhoid and paratyphoid are infections acquired by the ingestion of food or water contaminated by the bacteria Salmonella Typhi or Salmonella Paratyphi. They cause very similar diseases collectively known as enteric fever and mainly affect low-income areas of the world where sanitation is poor and clean drinking water is not widely available. The majority of global cases of the disease occur in Asia, but the disease continues to be a concern in other areas including Africa and parts of Central and South America.

Signs and Symptoms

Fever, headache, muscle or joint pains, constipation or diarrhoea, and a rash. Complications include intestinal bleeding and perforation (development of a hole in the wall of the bowel). If treated most people will make a full recovery however if untreated death rates can be high. Antibiotic-resistant infections are increasingly common; this can complicate and reduce treatment options.

Prevention/Vaccine

The risk of acquiring typhoid or paratyphoid can be reduced by ensuring good personal hygiene and following advice on the prevention of food and water-borne diseases. Both oral and injectable vaccines are available. Some vaccinations are combined with hepatitis A. Please speak with our Travel specialist if you prefer the combined Hep A and Typhoid vaccine.