Typhoid Fever

Typhoid Fever: Symptoms, Transmission, Prevention, and Immunization

Symptoms: Typhoid fever, caused by the bacterium Salmonella typhi, manifests with sustained fever, headaches, loss of appetite, abdominal pain, dry cough, fatigue, constipation, and potential diarrhea. In severe cases, complications may arise, including intestinal hemorrhage or perforation. While some carriers remain asymptomatic, untreated cases can result in relapses within two weeks. The global mortality rate is 2 to 3 percent.

Transmission: Transmission occurs through consumption of contaminated food or beverages, tainted by contact with feces, urine, vomit, or sputum from carriers or active patients. Oysters from polluted water and flies carrying fecal matter on their feet have been reported as sources. High-risk regions include parts of Asia, Africa, Latin America, and India. The incubation period is 1 to 8 weeks, with individuals capable of transmitting the disease for up to three months.

Prevention: To prevent typhoid fever, follow these measures:

• Wash hands before handling food, eating, and after using the toilet.
• Avoid potentially contaminated foods and beverages.

The risk of contraction during travel is relatively low, approximately 3 in 100,000 travellers per month.

Immunization: Two types of typhoid vaccines, administered as injections or orally, offer around 50% efficacy. Recommended for individuals aged 2 and older traveling to high-risk areas or those with individual risk factors (e.g., children, extended stays, areas with poor sanitation). Re-immunization is advised every 3 or 7 years, depending on the vaccine type.

For more detailed information, refer to “Essential Information for a Safe Trip.”