Disease and
Immunization Facts

AIDS | Cholera | Hepatitis A | Hepatitis B | Influenza | Japanese Encephalitis | Malaria | Measles, Mumps, Rubella | Meningococcal Disease | Rabies | Tetanus, Diphtheria and Poliomyelitis | Tuberculosis | Typhoid Fever | Yellow Fever | Dengue Fever

Typhoid Fever

What Is It?

• Typhoid fever is a serious, sometimes fatal, illness caused by a bacteria called Salmonella typhi
  
• These bacteria are spread through contaminated food, drink or water and can spread from person to person. They thrive in places with poor sanitation
  
• Symptoms can include chills and fever (which can exceed 40°C or 104°F), headache, tiredness, dizziness, loss of appetite and nausea, stomach pains and constipation or diarrhea

Your risk of becoming ill with typhoid fever is greater if:

• you will be traveling to places off the beaten track;
  
• you will be eating and drinking in places where food and drink may be contaminated because of sanitation problems;
  
• you have a weakened immune system - for example, if you have AIDS, are HIV positive,or are having chemotherapy;
  
• you have low levels of gastric acid - for example, if you have had a gastrectomy, or if you take antacids or medications for ulcers

Vaccination is especially important if travelers will be in smaller cities, villages, or rural areas off the usual tourist itineraries or have prolonged exposure to potentially contaminated food and drink.

Prevention Tips

• Follow strict food and water precautions while traveling
  
• Ensure all food is well cooked - especially meat and seafood
  
• Consume only canned or commercially bottled drinks
  
• Ensure ice cubes are made from purified water
  
• Eat only fruits and vegetables that you wash and peel yourself
  
• Avoid cold cuts, salads, watermelon and puddings
  
• If traveling to an area where typhoid is common, the vaccine will reduce your risk of becoming ill

This list is not conclusive. Consult your Travel Physician for additional health information.

Available Immunizations

•    Currently there are two vaccines available in the United States. Please consult your travel physician to determine which vaccine is right for you