Typhoid fever

Infection caused by a bacterium called Salmonella typhi, which enters the body through the digestive tract. It most commonly affects children and young adults. It is common in central and south-west Asia, South America and sub-Saharan Africa.

The infected person can become a carrier and shed the bacteria in their faeces for years. Infection occurs when food and drink contaminated with human faeces are consumed.

It presents with the triad of fever, skin rash and diarrhoea. Characteristically, the fever is high and the diarrhoea is severe, so that the person's general condition is severely impaired.

Diagnosis is based on clinical examination, physical examination and blood and stool cultures.

Treatment includes adequate hydration and antibiotics. It is important to prevent infection by drinking bottled water, eating cooked food and getting vaccinated if travelling to endemic areas.