Typhoid fever is a serious bacterial infection caused by Salmonella Typhi. It affects the intestines and the bloodstream, and can be life-threatening if not treated, but it is curable with antibiotics.

Typhoid is more common in areas with poor sanitation and limited access to safe food and clean water – especially in parts of Asia.

👩‍⚕️ Symptoms

Symptoms usually develop 6–30 days after exposure and may include:

Fever and abdominal pain or cramping, bloating, loss of appetite, fatigue and weakness, headache, diarrhoea or constipation, rash (flat, rose-coloured spots on chest or abdomen), enlarged liver or spleen, mild cough.

In severe cases: confusion, delirium.

⚠️ Possible Complications

If untreated, typhoid can cause:

Intestinal perforation (a hole in the gut) → peritonitis, sepsis, internal bleeding from the intestines, sepsis (life-threatening infection spread in the blood), and rarely, brain infections (meningitis/encephalitis).

💊 Treatment

Antibiotics (choice depends on resistance patterns; your doctor may give you a prescription before travel).

Fluids to prevent dehydration.

Hospital care may be needed if severe.

🌍 Travel Risk (Asia)

High-risk countries:

South Asia: India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, Afghanistan, Sri Lanka — consistently high risk.

Southeast Asia: Indonesia, Philippines, Myanmar, Cambodia, Laos, Vietnam, parts of Thailand — moderate to high risk.

East Asia: China (certain regions), Mongolia — risk varies; urban areas generally lower.

🌍 Travel Risk (Africa)

High-risk regions:

Sub-Saharan Africa broadly has moderate to high risk, particularly in West Africa (Nigeria, Ghana, Senegal), East Africa (Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda), and Central Africa (DR Congo, Cameroon).

North Africa (Egypt, Sudan) has variable risk — generally lower in urban centres with good sanitation.

🌍 Travel Risk (South America)

High-risk countries:

Northern and rural regions of Brazil, Peru (especially Amazon basin), Colombia, Ecuador, Bolivia, Venezuela, Guyana, Suriname — high to moderate risk.

Argentina, Chile, Uruguay — generally lower risk in major cities, higher in rural areas or areas with poor sanitation.

✅ How to Protect Yourself

Drink bottled or filtered water only, avoid ice if you don’t know the source, wash hands often with soap and water, use safe water (bottled/boiled) to brush teeth, be careful with raw fruit, salads, and street food.

💉 Typhoid Vaccines

Two main types are available in Australia:

1. Injectable vaccine (Typhim Vi®)

Single injection, protects for ~3 years, can be given from age 2+, around 74% effective.

2. Oral vaccine (Vivotif® capsules)

Live, weakened bacteria (safe for healthy people 6+ years old).

3 doses (days 1, 3, 5) → booster every 3 years.

4 doses (days 1, 3, 5, 7) → booster every 5 years.

About 80% effective.

Not suitable for people with weak immune systems.

Mild side effects can occur (tummy upset, mild fever, headache).

✅ Key Take-Home Message

Typhoid fever is serious but preventable. Protect yourself by practising good food and water hygiene and by getting vaccinated before travel. Vaccination plus safe eating and drinking habits give you the best protection when visiting areas where typhoid is common.