Typhoid Fever

 

Typhoid fever is a bacterial infection of the bloodstream and intestinal tract caused by Salmonella typhi. It is contracted through the faecal oral route, and contaminated food and water. Untreated, symptoms can last up to 4 weeks. Almost all cases of typhoid in Australia are from returning travellers. 

 

Symptoms
 

• Fever

• Sore throat

• Headache

• Fatigue

• Constipation or diarrhoea

• Persistent cough

• Bradycardia (slow heart rate)

• Sweating

• Abdominal pains

• Weight loss

• Skin rash on the stomach or chest

• Septicaemia

 

Prevention

 

A vaccine is available and highly recommended, however due the vaccines being only 70% effective, safe food and water practises are highly recommended. These include washing hands after going to the bathroom, washing hands before eating, avoiding street food, avoiding seafood, only eating hot meals and avoiding those served at room temperature, avoiding ice in your drinks, drinking bottled water, or using sterilisation tablets, avoiding fresh fruits or vegetables.