According to the World Health Organization (WHO), India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh are high burden countries for typhoid fever, with a high number of cases reported each year.
In India, it is estimated that there are between 10 to 20 million cases of typhoid fever each year. In Pakistan, there are an estimated 7 to 12 million cases per year, and in Bangladesh, there are an estimated 700,000 to 2 million cases per year.
It’s important to note that these estimates are based on reported cases, and the actual number of cases may be higher due to underreporting or misdiagnosis of the disease. Typhoid fever remains a significant public health concern in these countries, and efforts are ongoing to improve prevention and control measures, including vaccination programs and improvements in water and sanitation infrastructure.
Typhoid fever is caused by a bacteria called Salmonella typhi, which is typically spread through contaminated food and water.
What are the symptoms?
The NHS advises that travellers to India, Pakistan, or Bangladesh should be vaccinated against typhoid at least two weeks before travel. The vaccination can be given as an injection or as a course of oral capsules. It’s also important to practice good food and water hygiene, such as drinking only bottled water or water that has been boiled and avoiding street food, which may be contaminated.
Symptoms of typhoid fever can include a high fever, headache, stomach pain, and diarrhoea or constipation. If you develop these symptoms during or after your trip, you should seek medical attention as soon as possible.
What vaccines are there available for Typhoid?
Yes, there are two types of vaccines available for typhoid fever prevention in the UK : the “Typhim Vi” vaccine and the “Vivotif” vaccine.
The Typhim Vi vaccine is an inactivated vaccine that is given as an injection. It is usually given as a single dose, and provides protection against typhoid fever for up to 3 years. The vaccine is recommended for people aged two years and over, and is suitable for both short-term and long-term travellers.
The Vivotif vaccine, on the other hand, is an oral vaccine that is taken as capsules. The capsules contain a live, attenuated strain of the Salmonella typhi bacteria. The Vivotif vaccine is given as a three-dose course over a period of five days, and provides protection against typhoid fever for up to 3 years. The vaccine is recommended for people aged five years and over, and is suitable for long-term travellers and expatriates who will be spending an extended period of time in a high-risk area.
Both vaccines are effective in preventing typhoid fever, but the choice of vaccine may depend on individual factors such as age, medical history, and travel plans. It’s important to speak to a healthcare provider to determine which vaccine is best for you. Additionally, it’s important to note that the vaccines do not provide complete protection against typhoid fever, and travellers should still practice good food and water hygiene to reduce their risk of infection.