Immunisation is available against both forms of the disease. Typhoid Typhoid, or enteric fever, is caused by one of two bacteria, Salmonella typhi and Salmonella paratyphi. It is caught from food or water tainted with faeces from infected people, and is more common in countries such as India, Pakistan and Nepal. Symptoms include prolonged fever, headache, loss of appetite, nausea, and fatigue. Untreated, the illness can last for three to four weeks and is fatal in about ten percent of cases.
Treatment is with antibiotics, although there are various typhoid vaccines on the market.
It can lead to haemorrhagic fever, in which the patient bleeds from internal organs. High risk countries are those with jungle areas in South America and Africa. An effective vaccination is available. Although rabies is uncommon in developed countries, there are still many animals in developing countries carrying this deadly virus. Getting vaccinated before travelling is uncommon, but if you are bitten by an animal while abroad, prompt medical attention is vital.