What is typhoid and what causes it?
Typhoid Fever is a bacterial infection that can cause intestinal bleeding, toxic heart disease, pneumonia, seizures and swelling of the brain. It is transmitted when food or water that has been contaminated is ingested. Between 13 million and 16 million cases of typhoid are reported globally each year, of which 500,000 result in death.
Salmonella typhi, the bacterium causing the infection, is related to the bacteria that cause salmonella food poisoning. It can be contracted through consuming food or drink that’s contaminated with a small amount of infected faeces or urine. Without quick treatment the infection can have serious complications that can be fatal, so it’s important to help protect yourself.
Typhoid is uncommon in the UK, most cases are from an infection being picked up whilst visiting countries such as Bangladesh, India and Pakistan. Worldwide, children are at the most risk due to an under developed immune system. However, their symptoms are usually milder than in adults.
Typhoid Signs and Symptoms:
- High temperature
- Stomach pain
- Headache
- Constipation or diarrhoea
It’s important to get typhoid fever treated quickly. If the infection goes untreated it could cause complications and increase the risk of developing potentially fatal consequences. If you think you have some, or all of these symptoms during travel or on return to the UK, you should seek urgent medical attention. You should explain to the doctor treating you that you have travelled abroad.
How to minimise risk of typhoid?
While travelling through an area with a high typhoid incidence, you should follow some simple rules to avoid an infection with typhoid fever. Avoid eating raw vegetables and fruit, especially if they have been cut. It is also advisable to wash hands frequently, especially before preparing food and eating. The most common source of infection is contaminated water.
In order to prevent typhoid, you should stick to drinking bottled or boiled water. The typhoid vaccine is very effective at preventing the illness. If you are travelling to an area with a high risk of typhoid and hepatitis A, we can offer a combined vaccination course which covers both conditions.
Vaccination Information:
There are two different typhoid vaccines. One is an injection, the other consists of a course of tablets. If you receive the typhoid injection, then this is one dose and the oral vaccine consists of three capsules taken over a course of five days. The vaccine protects you for three years and after that you will need a booster if you travel to high risk areas.
