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.
Typhoid is present in Africa, with undeveloped areas being of a higher risk.
Vaccination (injectable or oral) for travel to risk areas should be considered. Vaccination against both Hepatitis A and Typhoid combined is also available for travellers, as the two diseases have a similar epidemiology and share some transmission routes.
As vaccination does not offer 100% protection, avoiding potentially contaminated food and drink is essential.
