Reprinted from the Health Hub with permission from Dr. Alex Barbey

Typhoid is transmitted by fecally contaminated, unclean water and dirty hands as well as by contaminated food, in particular, shell fish.(See FECALRISK) (See WATER).

Typhoid Fever is an infection due to a salmonella bacteria. It can be found worldwide but is most common in areas with poor sanitation and hygiene.

The incubation period is from 1 to 3 weeks. Symptoms include fever, headaches, insomnia, malaise, rose red spots on the trunk, constipation or most often diarrhea. In some rare cases severe complications can appear such as hemmorhage and/or perforation of the colon.

Diagnosis requires either analysis of stools or a blood test. Treatment requires antibiotics.

Correct disposal of human waste and garbage.

Correct hygiene in food handling and food storage. When in doubt, eat only well-cooked food.

Drink only clean water which can be obtained by a combination of three methods: boiling, filtering or chemical disinfection.

1. Boiling

Boiling for at least 1 minute destroys all bacterial and viral agents but this water can only be conserved for a few hours before becoming recontaminated.
2. Filtering

Filtering alone only gets rid of the big particles and some microscopic organisms but does not make the water safe to drink. Filters must be cleaned often and correctly.
3. Chemical disinfection

Chemical disinfection is very effective if correctly performed (chlorine, iodine, silver)
 

Two types of vaccines exist.

One is injectable (Typhim Vi) requiring one shot every 3 years and the second is oral requiring 4 capsules taken on alternate days, repeated 5 years later.

Relatively easy to prevent with a vaccination and improved water hygiene, typhoid is still a serious disease which must not be overlooked when travelling to high-risk areas of the world. which can be obtained by a combination of three methods: boiling, filtering or chemical disinfection.

1-Boiling

2-Filtering

3-Chemical disinfection

Vaccination: Two types of vaccines exist. One is injectable (Typhim Vi) and the other is oral. Both vaccinations require only one dose and provide a good 3 year protection.

Carbon Monoxide poisoning can occur in a variety of ways. Read this entry in Dr. Alex Barbey's Health Dictionary, and consider installing a Carbon Monoxide detector in your home this winter!
~ Tracey McTague

Carbon Monoxide: Colorless, odorless, tasteless but.......DANGEROUS ! Carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning affects thousands of individuals around the world, particularly during winter time and provokes many deaths each year. Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless and tasteless gas which gives absolutely no warning of its presence.

Water is life, yet it is estimated that 1.5 billion people in the world do not have access to "clean" drinking water and 500 million people are carrieres of water-transmitted diseases. Three billion people lack sanitation facilites and every year more than 5 million people die from illnesses linked to unsafe drinking water and improper fecal waste disposal.
~ Dr. Alex Barby, "The Travel Guide to Safe Food and Water," 2003.

Heat exhaustion and heat stroke can be very serious. Remember to drink plenty of fluids and protect yourself and your family from the sun.

Pregnancy is not an illness and does not prevent a woman from traveling. But even a normal, noncomplicated pregnancy poses certain health concerns. Special considerations and preparations should be made by pregnant women in consultation with their healthcare providers, particularly when international travel is involved.

Animal bites are not that rare. They can occur anywhere in the world while walking in the street, jogging in the woods, bicycle riding in the countryside or trekking in an unknown region.

Small children are frequent victims since they love petting and hugging animals that wander close to them.

It's the weekend. It's vacation time. The weather is hot and sunny and the only thought in your mind is getting to the beach and cooling off in the shining blue water.

Think twice! Recreational swimming is the second most common cause of death in people under 24 years of age, and each year thousands of swimmers are injured. It is worthwhile to take a few minutes to review the main risks of swimming and recommendations for a safe outing, particularly in tropical areas.

Many of these infectious diseases can be prevented by vaccinations. Dr. Alex Barbey's "Oilfield Guide to Vaccinations" represents an indepth study of the various vaccines available in 1997.

The clear and concise information presented in this brochure should allow each person to determine which vaccinations are necessary for the area and living conditions to which he or she will be exposed.

The traveler should also not forget that each trip, whether for business or pleasure, is a valuable opportunity to update the standard vaccinations required in his or her home country.