home | typhoid
| Typhoid is a bacterial infection of the digestive tract, caused by gram-negative bacillus Salmonella typhi. It is spread by faecal-oral route via contaminated food and water from an infected human carrier. Typhoid is often transmitted by person-to-person contact, especially via food handlers. Incubation is 1-3 weeks. Symptoms usually appear over the course of a month, with headaches and lethargy progressing to myalgia and abdominal discomfort. Some patients show a ‘rose spot’ rash after the first week of infection. Constipation can occur followed later by bloody diarrhoea with rigors. Patients remain infective for 6 weeks to 3 months after infection. Typhoid is present in South America, Africa and areas of Asia, with undeveloped areas being of a higher risk. Cases can potentially occur throughout the world due to the mode of transmission and speed of travel. Natural disaster and imported cases allow for sporadic cases in parts of the world that would be considered low risk areas. DISCLAIMER: This information is to complement and not replace the relationship with your family doctor. Always discuss your travel health requirements with your regular doctor or practice nurse. |
|||
|
|||