Typhoid

Typhoid is an infection caused by the bacterium Salmonella typhi.

You can get typhoid in Asia and Africa. It also occurs in Central and South America, but the risk there is low. It is rare in the Netherlands.

You can get typhoid by eating food or drinking water contaminated with Salmonella typhi. Food or water can become contaminated with faeces from an infected person, even if this is not visible. If an infected person does not wash their hands after using the toilet and then prepares your food, you can catch typhoid. Undercooked meat, chicken or eggs, and raw dairy products, can also transmit the disease. If you have typhoid, you can infect other people.

Symptoms include fever, headache, abdominal pain and loss of appetite. You may have diarrhoea alternating with constipation. Later you can become drowsy and develop red spots on the abdomen. You can become very ill and die from the disease.

Vaccination can be wise. Whether you need it depends on your health, where you go and how long you stay. Ask a travel clinic whether vaccination is needed for your trip.

Vaccination does not protect completely. Good hygiene, especially when preparing food, lowers the risk. Wash your hands with soap regularly, especially after using the toilet. Drink only boiled water or bottled water, and eat food that has been prepared thoroughly and cleanly.