Typhoid Fever in Thailand
Typhoid fever is a bacterial infection that is endemic in Thailand and could be potentially fatal without proper treatment. It is a stealthy disease, so the best way to take care of yourself is to prevent yourself from contracting it by practicing proper hygiene measures.
If you’re planning to visit Thailand, you’ll be excited about its stunning landscapes, vibrant culture, and delicious cuisine. The last thing on your mind would be diseases like typhoid fever, so it’s highly imperative that you take adequate precautions to prevent it from derailing your fun.
In this Pacific Prime Thailand article, we’ll quickly go over what typhoid fever is, including its symptoms and causes. More importantly, we’ll also touch upon the key facts relating to diagnosis, treatment, and prevention to keep you and your family safe and sound in the “Land of Smiles”.
What is Typhoid Fever?
Typhoid fever is a serious bacterial infection caused by Salmonella typhi. It primarily affects the intestinal tract and bloodstream, leading to severe illness if left untreated. It’s a stealthy illness, often masquerading as common ailments like flu, manifesting symptoms like high fever, chills, and stomach pain.
Although symptoms are seemingly non-life-threatening, it is a potentially fatal disease. The fatality rate is 2.49% of all cases. Typhoid fever is endemic in Thailand, that said, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) has declared that the incidence has been declining since.
Stages of Typhoid Fever
Stage 1
Symptoms of typhoid fever can begin to appear between five to 14 days after exposure to S. Typhi. The initial symptom is a fever that progressively rises over several days, often referred to as “stepwise” because it increases in increments. During this stage, the bacteria are entering your bloodstream.
Stage 2
By the second week of fever, the bacteria multiply in your immune system. You may begin to experience abdominal pain and gastrointestinal symptoms, such as diarrhea or constipation; and manifest “rose spots,” which are small pink dots on the skin resembling a rash.
Stage 3
If left untreated with antibiotics, the bacteria can lead to severe complications, typically around the third week after symptoms start. Some individuals may experience serious issues like internal bleeding and encephalitis, which is inflammation of the brain.
Stage 4
In the fourth stage, most individuals start to recover, and their high fever begins to decrease. However, S. Typhi can reside in the gallbladder without causing symptoms, meaning you could still be contagious even after feeling better.
Symptoms of Typhoid Fever
Symptoms of typhoid fever vary from high fever to diarrhea or constipation. The symptoms typically develop 6 to 30 days after exposure and may include:
- High Fever: Gradually increases, often reaching 103°F to 104°F (39°C to 40°C).
- Chills: Some experience an exceptionally low body temperature, causing shivering of the whole body.
- Weakness and Fatigue: General malaise and lethargy.
- Abdominal Pain: Discomfort and tenderness in the abdomen.
- Diarrhea or Constipation: Some may experience diarrhea, while others may have constipation.
- Headaches: Persistent headaches and body aches.
- Loss of Appetite: Reduced desire to eat and potential weight loss.
- Rash: Some patients may develop rose spots (small, flat, pink spots) on the abdomen.
Transmission of Typhoid Fever
Typhoid fever usually spreads through food or water contaminated with S. Typhi. This can happen when the infected touches something you eat or drink without washing their hands, or if wastewater gets into the water you drink or food you eat.
You can also contract typhoid fever if you touch services and objects (phones and toilet door knobs are high-risk) that an infected person touched and leave bacteria behind.
Causes of Typhoid Fever
Typhoid fever is caused by ingesting food or water contaminated with the Salmonella typhi bacteria. Common sources of infection include:
- Contaminated Water: Drinking or using contaminated water for food preparation.
- Improperly Cooked Foods: Eating food handled by someone who is infected or that has been prepared in unsanitary conditions.
- Close Contact: Living in close quarters with an infected person can increase risk.
Typhoid fever is most common in rural areas of developing countries where there isn’t modern sanitation. Travelers are most at risk as they are not used to the not-to-dos in the countries they are visiting. Children are more likely to get typhoid than adults too.
How is Typhoid Fever Diagnosed and Treated?
As the symptoms of Typhoid Fever are similar to other diseases like the common cold, it can often be misdiagnosed. The way to confirm that the disease is indeed Typhoid Fever is by analyzing samples of blood, poo, or pee for the Salmonella Typhi bacteria under a microscope.
It’s crucial to note that the bacteria isn’t always detected the first time so you may need to have a series of tests. Another way of diagnosis that’s more accurate is via a sample of bone marrow, but it’s time-consuming and painful so it is only used if other tests are inconclusive.
Some medical providers also take X-rays to look for changes in your lungs.
Note: For those who are diagnosed with Typhoid Fever, the other members of their household and their close contacts are also highly recommended to get tested in case the virus has been passed on to them.
Once Typhoid Fever has been diagnosed, treatment usually consists of a course of antibiotics. While Typhoid Fever can be treated at home, hospital admission may be needed if the patient’s condition is severe or if complications occur.
Can Typhoid Fever be Prevented?
Safe eating and drinking habits go a long way in preventing Typhoid Fever. For travelers in Thailand, this means being cautious about where and what they eat. It’s vital to opt for food from reputable sources and ensure that it’s thoroughly cooked.
If possible, it’s also worth avoiding the consumption of raw seafood and street food that may have been exposed to contaminated water. When it comes to beverages, it’s also highly recommended to stick to bottled water and avoid ice in drinks if its source is questionable.
Vaccination for Typhoid Fever
Getting a Typhoid Fever vaccination is another good prevention strategy – especially for those planning to travel to or live in rural areas of Thailand. The vaccines available are the injectable Vi capsular polysaccharide vaccine and the oral live-attenuated Ty21a vaccine.
Conclusion
Typhoid Fever is something you should take seriously. Even though symptoms can be mistaken for the common flu, Typhoid Fever can quickly turn life-threatening if complications occur and/or if treatment isn’t provided. That said, Typhoid Fever is a disease that’s both preventable and curable.
Worried about getting Typhoid Fever whilst traveling to or living in Thailand? Aside from all the preventative measures, it’s also worth securing an international health insurance plan. This will enable you to access the best healthcare if you suspect you’ve got Typhoid Fever or indeed any other illness.
Finding, comparing, and securing the right health plan doesn’t necessarily have to be complicated. It’s highly recommended to get in touch with a reputable and experienced broker like Pacific Prime Thailand for all the help you can get.
Contact us to kick-start your insurance journey today!
Concerned about other diseases that you may encounter in Thailand? Check out our article on the Top 13 diseases and medical conditions in Thailand, including the mosquito-borne Zika and Japanese Encephalitis.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Where Is Typhoid Fever Most Prevalent?
Typhoid Fever is most prevalent in East and South Asia (especially India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh), Africa, the Caribbean, Central and South America, and the Middle East. Travelers to these areas are advised to be extra cautious.
Is Typhoid Fever Deadly?
Typhoid Fever can be deadly and life-threatening, especially if complications occur and/or treatment isn’t undertaken. If Typhoid Fever is suspected, it’s highly recommended to consult a medical practitioner.
What Are Some Tips to Prevent Typhoid Fever?
When it comes to tips to prevent Typhoid Fever, make sure you avoid dodgy eateries and make sure all food you consume has been thoroughly cooked and is still hot. Avoid raw foods and beverages with ice, unless you’re sure of the source and its hygiene levels.
How Long Does Typhoid Fever Last?
Generally speaking, Typhoid Fever lasts about seven to 10 days when treated soon after symptoms start. However, If untreated or if treatment starts later, it can last three weeks or longer.
Is There a Vaccine for Typhoid Fever?
There is a vaccination for Typhoid Fever, but it’s not routinely given in many countries. With that said, travelers going to parts of the world where Typhoid Fever is prevalent are highly recommended to get the Typhoid Fever vaccination.
Does the Typhoid Fever Vaccination Give Life-long Protection?
Typhoid Fever vaccinations do not usually give life-long protection. As such, booster vaccinations are recommended every 3 years for individuals who continue to be at high risk of getting Typhoid Fever such as those traveling to areas where Typhoid Fever is prevalent.
Since joining Pacific Prime, Eric was exposed to a new world of insurance. Having learned about insurance products extensively, he has taken joy and satisfaction in helping individuals and businesses manage risks and protect themselves against financial loss through the power of words.
Although born and raised in Hong Kong, he spent a quarter of his life living and studying in the UK. He believes his multicultural experience is a great asset in understanding the needs and wants of expats and globe-trotters.
Eric’s strengths lie in his strong research, analytical, and communication skills, obtained through his BA in Linguistics from the University of York and MSc in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) from the University of Bristol.
Outside of work, he enjoys some me-time gaming and reading on his own, occasionally going absolutely mental on a night out with friends.
- Typhoid Fever in Thailand - March 27, 2025
- What You Need to Know about Malaria in Thailand - March 27, 2025
- 5 Thought Exercises That Can Elevate Your Mental Health - March 26, 2025
Comments
Comments for this post are closed.
We'll notify you
when our team replies!