Typhoid fever

What is it ?

Typhoid fever is an infection caused by a bacterium, Salmonella typhi, which lodges in the intestines. It then moves through the lymphatic system, resulting in a risk of general infection (septicaemia). The first symptoms may not appear until 4 or 5 weeks after contamination.

Disease transmission

Consumption of water or food contaminated by human fecal matter is the most common way for typhoid bacteria to be transmitted. In exceptional cases, contact with a contaminated object or the hand of a person carrying the disease may have the same consequences.

Geographic risk zone

Symptoms description

High fever (over 40 °C)
Headache
Insomnia
Gastrointestinal symptoms
Slowing of mental faculties
Sleepiness
“Rose spots” on the chest and abdomen (in some cases)

Health impact

Typhoid fever is a serious disease which results in death in 1% of all cases.

Risks

Typhoid fever occurs in nearly every country on earth. The World Health Organization (WHO) reports 16 to 33 million cases per year worldwide.
Nearly 500,000 people die of this disease every year.

Prevention

There are two typhoid fever vaccines and both are very effective.

One of these vaccines is taken orally and provides protection for about 7 years. It can be administered from age 6 and up.

The other vaccine is injected and provides protection for 3 years. It can be administered from age 2 and up.

You can also prevent typhoid by following the classic rules of hygiene to the letter when you travel abroad. Wash your hands frequently with soap, particularly before and after you use the toilet. Eat only food that is thoroughly cooked. Disinfect your kitchen utensils or any other object that might be contaminated. Drink only bottled, boiled, purified or filtered water. Don’t consume ice cubes or eat lettuce and peel your fruits and vegetables.

The Public Health Agency of Canada strongly recommends that all travellers consult a travel health specialist before they go abroad. Your specialist will be able to advise you about various resources and options available so you can protect yourself effectively.

Vaccination : typhoid fever

Yes

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Recommended products

Water purifier, hand disinfectant

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Nota Bene

This disease is practically nonexistent in developed countries. The majority of cases occur in areas of the world where hygienic conditions are substandard, mainly developing countries.
Typhoid fever develops under conditions similar to those that cause hepatitis A. It is not unusual to find both these diseases in the same areas of any given country.
A person who contracts typhoid fever remains contagious as long as the bacterium is present in their stool. For most people, contagion lasts about one week (after the symptoms appear). In some patients, however, the risk of contagion continues throughout the entire course of their illness and convalescence. Others remain contagious for the rest of their lives.
The only way to determine when the risk of contagion is over is to take regular stool cultures.