Typhoid fever
Typhoid fever is a bacterial infection that can spread throughout the body, affecting many organs. It is most common in parts of the world that have poor sanitation and limited access to clean water. Without prompt treatment, it can cause serious complications and can be fatal.
Causes of Typhoid fever
Typhoid fever is caused by a bacterium called Salmonella typhi.
It is related to the bacteria that cause salmonella food poisoning.
Typhoid fever is highly contagious. An infected person can pass the bacteria out of their body in their:
- stools (faeces)
- urine
If someone else eats food or drinks water that's been contaminated with a small amount of infected faeces or urine, they can become infected and develop typhoid fever.
People affected by typhoid fever
Typhoid fever is most common in parts of the world that have poor sanitation and limited access to clean water.
Children are thought to be most at risk of developing typhoid fever. This may be because their immune system is still developing. However, children with typhoid fever tend to have milder symptoms than adults.
Typhoid fever is uncommon in Northern Ireland.
Symptoms of typhoid fever
Common symptoms of typhoid fever include:
- a high temperature that can reach 39-40C (103-104F)
- stomach pain
- headache
- constipation or diarrhoea
If typhoid fever isn't treated, the symptoms will continue to get worse over the following weeks.
The risk of developing potentially fatal complications will increase.
Treatment for typhoid fever
Typhoid fever requires prompt treatment with antibiotics.
If diagnosed at an early stage, the infection is likely to be mild and can usually be treated at home with a course of antibiotic tablets.
More serious cases of typhoid fever usually require admission to hospital, so intravenous fluids and antibiotic injections can be given.
With prompt treatment, most people will start to feel better within a few days and serious complications are very rare.
If typhoid fever isn't treated, it's estimated that up to one in five people with the condition will die.
Some of those who survive will have complications caused by the infection.
Typhoid fever vaccination
In Northern Ireland, two vaccines are available that can provide some protection against typhoid fever. These involve either having a single injection or taking three capsules over alternate days.
Vaccination is recommended for anyone planning to travel to parts of the world where typhoid fever is widespread. It's particularly important if you're planning to live or work closely with local people.
Neither vaccine offers 100 per cent protection so it's also important to follow some precautions when travelling. For example, you should:
- only drink bottled or boiled water
- avoid foods that could potentially be contaminated
High-risk areas
Typhoid occurs worldwide, but most cases in the UK are in travellers returning from Pakistan, Bangladesh or India and parts of Africa.
When travelling to a foreign country, it's a good idea to make a list of relevant contact details and telephone numbers, in case of an emergency.
More useful links
The information on this page has been adapted from original content from the NHS website.
For further information see terms and conditions.