Typhoid and paratyphoid

What are typhoid and paratyphoid What is the infectious period? fever? The time between infection and the appearance is a disease caused by the bacteria of symptoms can vary, but generally people show Typhi, while paratyphoid fever is symptoms around 8 to 14 days after they are caused by Salmonella Paratyphi. They are both infected but it can be up to 2 months. known as ‘enteric ’ and are common in People with typhoid can shed the bacteria in some developing countries. Typhoid and their faeces for 2 to 6 weeks. Between 1-4% of paratyphoid fever do not normally occur in people continue to shed the bacteria for months Australia but are infections usually acquired in or years if not treated with . countries where they are endemic. Who is at risk? What are the symptoms? Anyone can be infected with typhoid or The symptoms of typhoid and paratyphoid fever paratyphoid, however people most at risk are are similar although paratyphoid tends to be less travellers to countries where typhoid is common. severe than typhoid. Some people will have only Household contacts and co-travellers of cases a mild illness or have no symptoms at all, but are also at risk. People with a weaker immune others can experience diarrhoea, constipation, system may become infected with typhoid more fever, , lack of appetite and sometimes easily and can develop a more severe disease. a dry cough. People with pale skin, may get pink Anti-ulcer and anti-reflux medications can spots on the skin of their belly and back. Some increase the risk of typhoid fever by lowering the people can become ‘carriers’ which means they acid level in the stomach. carry the bacteria in their gut while they are well and pass them on to others without even What is the treatment? knowing that they are infected. A small number Some people may require hospitalisation and of people with enteric fever may develop severe treatment with antibiotics, especially those with complications such as intestinal perforation, typhoid fever. Others who may not show , meningitis or kidney failure. symptoms of typhoid but are found to be carriers Typhoid and paratyphoid fever are diagnosed of the disease will also require treatment with from a or faeces (i.e. ‘poo’) test. antibiotics. How is it spread? How can it be prevented? You can get sick when faeces from an infected Typhoid can be prevented by being vaccinated person enters your mouth. This usually before travelling to a developing country. happens by eating food or that Additionally, people travelling in developing has been contaminated or by touching things countries should: (door handles, toilets, etc.) that may have been  avoid uncooked foods, including fruit contaminated. In developing countries, raw unless it is able to be peeled fruits and vegetables, milk, ice and shellfish are  avoid untreated water, including ice the types of food that are risky.

July 2017 Centre for Disease Control – Typhoid and paratyphoid fever

 drink from sealed containers (i.e. bottles or How can it be controlled? cans) It is very unusual for typhoid and paratyphoid  wash their hands after going to the toilet fever to spread in Australia. People with typhoid and before eating or paratyphoid fever are followed up to ensure  avoid eating from street stalls that they have cleared the disease. In addition,  ensure hot food is thoroughly cooked and their travelling companions and, in certain eaten while hot. circumstances, their household contacts are tested for the disease. People with typhoid or Typhoid vaccination is available from your local paratyphoid should not under any circumstances GP or travel clinic and is either a 1 dose injection prepare food for others. or a course of 3 capsules. Even if you have previously lived in an area where typhoid is A number of faeces tests are usually required common, you will need to be vaccinated if you once a person has recovered from enteric fever travel back on holiday. The only covers to make sure Salmonella Typhi or Paratyphi is not typhoid fever, but not paratyphoid fever, and is being carried. The local Centre for Disease not 100% effective. It is therefore extremely Control and the person’s doctor will help important to follow the food and hygiene facilitate this. recommendations, even if you have had the All doctors and laboratories in the Northern vaccination. The vaccine only gives protection Territory must notify cases of typhoid fever to for about 3 years so it is important to check that the local Centre for Disease Control. Laboratories you are up to date with your vaccinations every are also required to notify cases of paratyphoid time you travel abroad as booster doses may be fever. needed.

For more information contact the Centre for Disease Control in your region

Alice Springs 8951 7540 Darwin 8922 8044 Katherine 8973 9049 Nhulunbuy 8987 0357 Tennant Creek 8962 4259 or https://health.nt.gov.au/professionals/centre-for-disease-control/cdc-contacts

July 2017 Centre for Disease Control – Typhoid and paratyphoid fever