What are typhoid and paratyphoid? How do you get typhoid and paratyphoid?
What are the signs and symptoms of typhoid and paratyphoid?
How do I get treated?
What do I do if I have typhoid or paratyphoid?
How do I reduce the risks of getting typhoid and paratyphoid?
Is there a vaccination against typhoid and paratyphoid?
Where can I find more information on typhoid and paratyphoid?
What are typhoid and paratyphoid?
Typhoid and Paratyphoid are illnesses caused by the bacteria Salmonella typhi and Salmonella paratyphi.
These infections occur worldwide but particularly in areas with poor sanitation and contaminated water supplies such as Asia, the Middle East, Central and South America and Africa. Typhoid is very common in Indonesia and Papua New Guinea. Almost all typhoid and paratyphoid cases in Australia are acquired overseas.
How do you get typhoid and paratyphoid?
The bacteria that cause typhoid and paratyphoid only live in humans. They are most commonly transmitted by the ingestion of food or water contaminated with faeces from an infected person. Typhoid and paratyphoid can also spread from person to person.
About 10% of people that recover from typhoid without treatment continue to carry the bacteria and shed it in
their faeces and urine for three months, while 2 - 5% become permanent carriers. People with paratyphoid are less likely to become carriers. Common sources are water, ice, raw vegetables and shellfish. Fruit and
vegetables can also become contaminated if they are washed in water containing the bacteria.
[Top of page]
What are the signs and symptoms of typhoid and paratyphoid?
Typhoid and paratyphoid infections affect the whole body, not just the digestive system.
The onset of illness from typhoid is gradual and the first symptoms usually appear 8 - 14 days after exposure. Paratyphoid symptoms usually appear 1 - 10 days after exposure.
Symptoms of typhoid and paratyphoid include:
- tiredness
- dull headache
- profuse sweating
- stomach pain
- constipation or severe diarrhoea
- red rash on the upper stomach and lower chest
- fever
- cough
- confusion
Without treatment, symptoms of typhoid infection are usually severe and last for about one month.
[Top of page]
How do I get treated?
- Drink plenty of fluids such as plain water or oral rehydration drinks (available from pharmacies).
- Antibiotics are usually required. Consult your GP or a doctor of your choice.
- Avoid anti-vomiting or anti-diarrhoeal medications unless prescribed or recommended by a doctor.
[Top of page]
What do I do if I have typhoid or paratyphoid?
- Do not go to work for at least 24 hours after symptoms have stopped.
- Do not handle or prepare food for the family or household for at least 24 hours after symptom have
stopped. - Keep children home from school for at least 24 hours after symptoms have stopped.
- People in hospitals, nursing homes and other residential facilities should be nursed in their own room, with a private bathroom for at least 24 hours after symptoms have stopped.
- Additional precautions are required for people with typhoid or paratyphoid who are at high risk of
spreading their infection to others (e.g. food handlers, health and child care workers and those who are incontinent of faeces). For more information contact the Communicable Disease Control
Directorate. - Immediately remove and wash any clothes or bedding contaminated with vomiting or diarrhoea using soap and hot water.
- Thoroughly clean and disinfect contaminated surfaces immediately after an episode of illness by using a bleach-based household cleaner.
[Top of page]
How do I reduce the risks of getting typhoid and paratyphoid?
- Wash hands with soap and water after changing nappies and before preparing or handling food or drinks. To wash your hands effectively, lather thoroughly with soap and running water for at least 15 seconds. Dry your hands with a clean single use towel (e.g. paper towel) and turn the tap off with the towel to avoid possible recontamination.
- If hand washing facilities are not available use an alcohol-based gel.
- Make sure foods are thoroughly cooked.
[Top of page]
Is there a vaccination against typhoid and paratyphoid?
Typhoid vaccines are available and recommended for travellers to certain areas, but are not completely
effective. Consult your GP or a doctor of your choice about protecting yourself against typhoid and paratyphoid before travelling overseas
[Top of page]
Where can I find more information on typhoid and paratyphoid?
For further information contact your GP, a doctor of your choice or Health Direct (1800 022 222).
