Typhoid Fever
What is Typhoid Fever?
 Typhoid Fever is caused by a particular salmonella bacterium that can be found in contaminated food and water. In areas where sanitation is poor there is a high risk of typhoid transmission.
How do you get Typhoid?
Consumption of contaminated food or water, particularly milk and milk products, all forms of seafood, raw fruit and vegetables, fertilised by night soil and local water. Flies may also transfer the disease onto food. The symptoms of Typhoid Fever are; fever, headache, loss of appetite and insomnia. Constipation also occurs. If left untreated, complications can develop which may result in death. WHO states that 2-5% of people who suffer with typhoid fever can become carriers of the disease.
Can I be vaccinated against Typhoid?
Yes. It is quite simple to vaccinate against Typhoid. The most effective way is the have an injection. The immune period is three years. There is also a tablet vaccination available for typhoid.
Who can have the vaccination?
Persons over the age of 2 can have the vaccination however, it has not been approved in Australia for children under the age of 5.
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