So a person who spreads the typhoid bacilli may spread it into sewage. sewage may contaminate drinking water or shellfish which live in the water. Quite often, uncooked food is contaminated by the soiled hands of a typhoid carrier. Flies may also carry the bacilli to food.
When a person gets typhoid, he begins to feel feverish. He will have headaches, chills, and sweats. A blank, staring expression is a common sign. The fever reaches a high level where it remains for a week, or two and then begins to go down. In about 30 days, the temperature is normal. A rash also appears during the disease.
Today typhoid can be prevented by making sure that a community's of drinking water is not contaminated by sewage; and by making sure the hands are clean when handling food Also, people who might be typhoid carriers should not be allowed to handle food.
There is a vaccine for typhoid fever. It usually lasts for at least a year and can sometimes last for several years.
(Bangkok Post Student Weekly; February 13,1995)