What is it?

Typhoid fever is a bacterial disease (Salmonella typhi or Salmonella paratyphi) that is spread by contaminated food and water. Symptoms include fever, headache, muscle or joint pains, constipation or diarrhoea and a rash. If treated, most people will make a full recovery however untreated it can be fatal.

Risk areas

Typhoid is found globally but mainly affects low income areas where sanitation is poor and clean drinking water is not widely available. The majority of cases occur in Asia (especially in travellers visiting friends and relatives in the Indian subcontinent) but is also a concern in parts of Africa, Central and South America.

Prevention

The risk can be reduced by ensuring good personal hygiene and practicing safe food and water advice.

Vaccine schedule

Vaccination is recommended for travellers who are at higher risk of infection in areas where sanitation and food hygiene are likely to be poor.

Length of protection

Following a single dose of injection or completed course of oral vaccine, a booster should be offered at 3 year intervals depending on risk.