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The Disease
Typhoid fever is an infection caused by Salmonella typhi bacteria. The
disease causes fever, headaches, fatigue and constipation (although
diarrhoea may also occur). Symptoms may last for 3 weeks or longer. Some
patients have only a mild illness, however the disease can occasionally
be fatal if not treated. Others may be asymptomatic, although they may
carry the typhoid organism long-term and are capable of transmitting the
infection. Some 5% of people suffering typhoid become chronic carriers.)
Typhoid is curable and can be treated with appropriate antibiotics.
Where is it found?
Typhoid is a public health concern in developing countries worldwide.
Prevalence is high throughout Asia, Africa and South America.
Risk to travellers
Typhoid is transmitted by food and water that has been contaminated with
faecal material from persons who either have the disease or are carriers.
The risk of
infection increases for those with one or more of the following risk
factors:
- prolonged travel
(over 2 weeks).
- travel to rural
areas.
- living in
conditions with poor sanitation.
- adventurous
eating habits.
Vaccination
Type:
- Oral
live-attenuated vaccine (Vivotif oral).
- Injectable,
synthetic (Typhim Vi/Typherix).
- Combined with
Hepatitis A (Vivaxim)
Standard Schedule:
- Oral
(refrigerated):
- Three capsules
at 0, 3, 5 days confers protection for three years.
- Injection:
- Single dose
gives 3 years protection.
Level of
protection:
- Oral vaccine
provides about 75% protection: food and water precautions are
important.
- Injectable
vaccine offers ~84% protection; food and water precautions are
important.
Possible side effects:
Usually infrequent and mild:
- Injection:
- Fever and
headache (9% of recipients)
- Redness,
soreness, swelling and itching around the injection site.
- General
malaise.
- Oral:
- Abdominal
pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea and rashes.
As with all vaccines, there is a small risk of allergic reaction.
More information on Typhoid is available during your
pre-travel consultation with Travelvax. Call 1300 360 164 for the
location of the clinic nearest to you.
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