Typhoid fever and paratyphoid fever are most common in parts of the world where water and food may be unsafe and sanitation is poor. These places include parts of East and Southeast Asia, Africa, the Caribbean, and Central and South America.
Typhoid fever is a life-threatening bacterial infection that affects organs all over the body. The condition occurs through infection with the bacterium Salmonella Typhi, a family of the bacteria that causes food poisoning. Except typhoid fever is treated quickly with antibiotics, it can lead to serious complications and even loss of life.
Individuals infected with typhoid carry the bacteria in their intestinal tract and bloodstream and is very common in Africa. The body develops a fever in response, along with other symptoms of the condition such as , loss of appetite, stomach pain, headache and weakness.
The disease cannot be transmitted from animals and only spreads between humans. The major preventive measures for typhoid are therefore making sure of a clean drinking water and maintaining good hygiene and sanitation level.
Two basic actions will protect you from typhoid in Nigeria;
If you intend to travel in make sure to get vaccinated against It. Visit your doctor or a travel clinic at least 2 weeks before traveling to discuss your options.
Practice safe eating and drinking habits. Carefully selecting what you eat and drink when you travel is important because typhoid fever vaccines do not work all of the time and there isn’t a paratyphoid fever vaccine. Practice safe eating and drinking will also help protect you from other illnesses, including diarrhea, cholera, dysentery, and hepatitis A.
Tips To Protect Yourself
-Avoid drinking contaminated water by ensuring water is bottled or boiled. Carbonated bottled water is safer to drink than uncarbonated.
-Wash teeth using bottled water and avoid swallowing shower water.
-Wash your hands with soap and water before eating.
-Avoid ordering drinks with ice, unless you know the ice is made form boiled or bottled water. Also avoid flavored ices that could have been made with water that is contaminated.
-Avoid raw vegetables and fruits that cannot be peeled. Lettuce can remain contaminated even after it is washed.
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