Typhoid fever is a rare disease but highly a contagious infection and can make you very ill. Typhoid is caused by the Salmonella typhi bacterium and needs to be treated with an antibiotic.
You are most likely to get typhoid from drinking water or eating food that has been contaminated. An infected person can pass the bacteria out of their body in their faeces (poos), or, less commonly, in urine (wees). You can also get it when changing nappies of children who have typhoid. Proper hand hygiene is the best way to protect yourself.
Symptoms include a high temperature or fever, fatigue or muscle aches, a headache and possibly stomach pain. Anyone with these symptoms should see a doctor.
Further information
Further information on typhoid fever, also known as eccentric fever, is available by visiting the following websites.
Ministry of Health | Typhoid
Health Navigator | Typhoid
