Typhoid fever is a highly contagious bacterial infection that can spread throughout the body, affecting various organs and causing severe complications that, if not promptly treated, can be fatal. It is caused by the bacterium Salmonella typhi, closely related to the bacteria responsible for salmonella food poisoning. Typhoid is most prevalent in regions with inadequate sanitation and limited access to clean water. The primary mode of transmission is through food or drink contaminated with small quantities of infected faeces or urine. It is commonly contracted during visits to countries such as Bangladesh, India, and Pakistan, with travel to Asia, Africa, or South America also posing a risk.
Common destinations
Typhoid fever is a highly contagious bacterial infection caused by Salmonella typhi that can spread throughout the body and cause severe, potentially fatal complications if untreated. It is most prevalent in regions with poor sanitation and limited clean water, and spreads through food or drink contaminated with infected faeces or urine. It is commonly contracted in countries such as Bangladesh, India, and Pakistan, with travel to Asia, Africa, or South America also posing a risk.

The main symptoms of typhoid fever are:
It is important to treat typhoid fever quickly, as symptoms continue to worsen and can lead to serious complications.

Vaccination is recommended if you are travelling to parts of the world where typhoid fever is widespread. The vaccine does not provide 100% protection, so it is important to take precautions when travelling: