Typhoid fever is a potentially serious and life threatening disease caused by the bacteria Salmonella typhi.  Typhoid fever is most often spread through food and water contaminated by the feces of infected people who prepare food without properly washing their hands.

Symptoms include gradually increasing fatigue and fever, often accompanied by headache, malaise, lack of appetite, abdominal pain, diarrhea, constipation, and a rash of rose-coloured spots on the torso. If treated with antibiotics more than 99% of people will recover. If left untreated it can lead to serious bleeding in the intestines which can be life threatening.

How can I prevent Typhoid Fever?
Two types of vaccines are available to help prevent typhoid fever. The vaccine is available by injection or by mouth.

Who should receive the typhoid vaccine?
The typhoid vaccine is recommended for individuals traveling to countries where typhoid fever is a risk. The risk of typhoid fever is highest in developing countries with poor sanitation, especially in southern Asia (India, Nepal, Pakistan and Bangladesh). Other areas of risk include East and Southeast Asia, Africa, the Caribbean, and Central and South America. The risk for travellers increases with duration of stay, for those visiting friends and relatives, for those visiting smaller villages and rural areas, and for those with adventurous eating habits.

Typhoid vaccine schedule:

1. Oral vaccine (by mouth) – given as a series of 4 doses in capsule form for individuals 6 years of age and older. Protection lasts for 5 years.

2. Injection – a single dose for individuals 2 years of age and older. Protection last for 2 years.

Call us at 604-251-1975 to arrange an appointment or to receive further information about the Typhoid vaccine.