There has been 18 cases of typhoid infection reported in Singapore over the last 3 weeks. Typhoid fever is an infection caused by the bacteria Salmonella typhi, and is transmitted through eating food or water contaminated by the faeces and urine of patients or carriers. Hence good food preparation techniques and hygiene is paramount.
What are the symptoms ?
Symptoms of typhoid include a prolonged fever which may be accompanied by a headache, body aches, vomiting, diarrhoea or constipation. The disease can be potentially very dangerous for those who are very young or elderly.
How do you contract Typhoid fever?
Food items that could be contaminated include raw or ready-to-eat foods, like raw (unpasteurised) milk or their products, seafood, and fresh produce including fruits and vegetables.
How is Typhoid fever treated?
Typhoid fever is treatable with antibiotics, and can be prevented by handling and cooking food safely and in a hygienic manner. There is also a vaccine against typhoid which can be given as an injection (above age 2) or as oral capsules (above age 6). The vaccine is commonly recommended when travelling to many parts of the world. Please speak to us if you like to find out more about the vaccine.
