Typhoid
, or typhoid fever, is a very serious and potentially fatal illness caused by the bacterium
Salmonella typhi, which is frequently found in sewage.
Typhoid can be prevented by a vaccine, which is recommended for individuals planning to travel outside the United States. Although the typhoid vaccine is effective, it cannot prevent 100% of typhoid infections.
Typhoid fever does occur within the US; however, it is far more prevalent in developing countries where water is likely to be contaminated by bacteria. So it is important, particularly when traveling in Asia, Africa, and Latin America, to be aware of possible bacteria contamination of food and water.
S. typhi
is contracted via drinking water that has been contaminated with sewage. It can also be ingested by eating food that has been washed in bacteria-laden water.
Fever in patients with typhoid is usually persistent. Many patients also exhibit a rash that looks like flat, rose-colored spots.
If typhoid is diagnosed and promptly treated with antibiotics, the outcome is usually good. But without treatment, fever and symptoms may continue for weeks or months, and death may occur as a result of complications from the bacterial infection.
With antibiotic treatment, symptoms typically begin to subside within two or three days. But, reduction in symptoms does not mean that bacteria are no longer in the bloodstream. It is important to finish all of the antibiotics as prescribed and to wash your hands thoroughly and frequently. Be aware that this infection can be readily spread to others.
What Is the Typhoid Vaccine?
There are two types of typhoid vaccines:
An inactivated (killed) vaccine that is injected
A live, attenuated (weakened) vaccine administered orally
The typhoid vaccine may be given in conjunction with other vaccines, but is not part of a combined injection.
Both types of vaccines should be stored in a cool environment, below 60˚F, but they should not be frozen.
The inactivated vaccine is given as a shot and should not be given to children younger than two years old. A single dose should be given at least 14 days before traveling abroad. Booster shots are needed every two years for those who continue to be in parts of the world where they would be exposed to typhoid fever.
The live typhoid vaccine is administered orally and should not be given to children younger than six years old. Four doses, with two days separating each dose, are needed. A booster dose is needed every five years.
Who Should Get Vaccinated and When?
Although the typhoid vaccine is not administered routinely in the US, the following individuals should be vaccinated:
People who are traveling to areas outside the US where typhoid commonly exists
People who are in close contact with an individual who has or carries typhoid
People who work with
S. typhi, typically laboratory workers
Boosters of the inactive vaccine are required every two years for people at risk for contracting typhoid, and every five years for those at risk who take the oral vaccine.
For maximum effectiveness, the vaccine should be taken 2-3 weeks prior to the potential exposure to
S typhi.
What Are the Risks Associated With the Typhoid Vaccine?
Common side effects include:
Fever
Headache
Redness or swelling at injection site (inactivated only)
Less common side effects include:
Abdominal pain
Nausea or vomiting
Rash
Side effects that may indicate a serious allergic reaction include:
Are undergoing treatment for cancer with medication or x-rays
Consult your doctor if you are traveling and at risk for acquiring typhoid fever, especially if you have any of the above conditions.
What Other Ways Can Typhoid Be Prevented Besides Vaccination?
Below are some ways to decrease your risk of getting typhoid:
Frequent and thorough hand washing, particularly before handling food
Properly cleaning and preparing food to ensure no contamination
Boiling water before drinking or using
Avoiding potentially contaminated food or water
What Happens in the Event of an Outbreak?
If the suspected cause comes from a commercial food-service facility, the facility and employees should be investigated within 24 hours of determining the suspected source.
If the suspected source is a daycare facility, the facility and employees should be investigated and questioned about recent travel and symptoms.
Also, in the event of an outbreak, government agencies should educate the public on ways to prevent the transmission of typhoid, including proper hygiene habits and careful food preparation.
WHERE CAN I GET MORE INFORMATION?
US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention http://www.cdc.gov/
Vaccine and ImmunizationsCenters for Disease Control and Prevention http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/
References:
State of Maryland, Community Health Program website. Available at: http://edcp.org/guidelines/typhoid.html. Accessed February 6, 2007.
US Department of Health and Human Services, National Immunization Program website. Available at: http://72.14.209.104/search?q=cache:PwfwCLwRiZYJ:www.cdc.gov/nip/publications/VIS/vis-typhoid.pdf+typhoid+vaccinehl=engl=usct=clnkcd=1. Accessed March 3, 2007.
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
