Typhoid fever is spread through contaminated food and water. It can cause illness ranging from mild fever, diarrhoea and aching to severe disease with multi organ failure, and fatality can be as high as 20% in untreated cases.
Typhoid fever is endemic in South Asia, parts of South East Asia, the Middle East, Central and South America, and Africa. Outbreaks have been reported in Eastern Europe.
There is currently a shortage of injectable Typhoid Vaccine. However, Vivotif, an oral vaccine which can protect against Typhoid fever is available. It consists of three tablets taken on alternate days. It must be kept in the fridge between doses. It is a live vaccine, but it can be taken at the same time as other live vaccines such as Yellow Fever if required. It must not be taken within three days of antibiotics. For those travelers who spend a lot of time in endemic areas, it will protect for up to three years, otherwise an annual booster is recommended.
Strict attention to personal hygiene and safety of food and water is still essential to protect against this and other food and water borne illnesses.
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Please get in contact with The Travel Clinic Ltd, on 01223 367361, if you would like any other information or to book an appointment with a Travel Nurse.