Typhoid fever is a disease caused by the typhoid bacillus, Salmonella typhi . It is spread through contaminated food and water or by close contact with an infected person. It occurs worldwide, and while uncommon in the United States, cases are reported every year, especially from travelers. The highest disease rates occur in Chile, Peru, India, Pakistan, Indonesia, Nigeria, and North Africa, and other countries where difficulties in sanitation and unprotected water supplies exist. Symptoms may include fever, headache, listlessness and body aches, loss of appetite, and stomach problems often beginning with constipation, followed by serious diarrhea.
Symptoms can be severe and prolonged.
Travel to areas which have high rates of typhoid fever or where food preparation, water treatment and sanitation are difficult. Intimate exposure to a known typhoid carrier, such as would occur with continued household contact. The oral typhoid capsules should be kept cold. They will usually remain cool enough on the way if kept away from direct heat and sun. All four capsules must be taken to achieve the best protection.