Approximately 22 million infections occur in the world annually, of which about 200.000 people die. A lot of diseases show slight symptoms, which represent danger concerning the spreading of the disease. Asymptomatic people also represent potential risk. The disease seldom occurs in the developed countries, but is very frequent in several Asian, African and Latin American countries.

Problems and symptoms

• High fever
  
• Weakishness
  
• Headache
  
• Unclear state
  
• Discomfort
  
• Rashes mainly on the surface of the abdominal skin
  
• In severe cases intestinal bleeding or holes may occur
  

Pathogen

Salmonella typhi bacterium

Way of spread:

With consumption of food and water contaminated by the bacterium. Vegetables and fruits bought at the market in the developing countries are especially risky, because are often watered by sewage-water. The bacterium can also be spread by touching objects contaminated by excretion (stool, urine) in the environment of the patient and transmitted by dirty hands to the person sensitive to it.

Long-term effect

In one part of the cases the patients become permanent virus carriers and thus virus spreaders, which is risky in terms of the spreading of the disease.

Curing

The disease can be cured by antibiotics.

Prevention

• Consumption of only appropriately prepared, heated and cooked food and beverages
  
• Frequent hand wash with disinfectants
  
• Appropriate vaccination is available