Nearly two-thirds of paratyphoid infections recorded in the NW state of Salta this year have been in children aged under 15 years. An alert has been posted by health authorities relating to the increase in serotype Paratyphi B cases in and around the capital, Salta, which arose during warmer weather early in the year and again as summer approaches. An increasing trend in paratyphoid B infections has been observed in Salta since 2017. Read more
Advice for travellers
Paratyphoid, like typhoid fever, is an enteric fever which can develop into a severe and even fatal illness. There are three paratyphoid serotypes bacteria – A, B and C, and humans are the only reservoirs. Infection is acquired through consuming food or water contaminated with the faeces of an infected individual (acute or chronic) and so the risk is deemed to be highest in lower and middle income countries. Food and water precautions are advised as there is no specific vaccine for paratyphoid (although the oral typhoid vaccine may confer some protection). Read more
Before you travel, call Travelvax Australia’s telephone advisory service on 1300 360 164 (toll-free from landlines) for country-specific advice and information. You can also make an appointment at your nearest Travelvax clinic to obtain vaccinations, medication to prevent or treat illness, and accessories for your journey.