Typhoid Fever risk in Lomé

Typhoid Fever Prevention Guide for Lomé, Togo Typhoid fever is a bacterial infection caused by Salmonella Typhi. It spreads through contaminated food and water. Symptoms include prolonged high fever, headache, stomach pain, and weakness. Without treatment, it can become life-threatening. Lomé's risk score of 66/100 reflects several local challenges. Street food vendors often lack clean water for handwashing and food preparation. Overcrowded neighborhoods increase person-to-person spread. Seasonal flooding contaminates drinking water sources. Inconsistent refrigeration allows bacteria to multiply in stored foods. Open drainage systems near food markets create additional contamination pathways. Here are practical steps to protect yourself. First, drink only safe water. Boil water for at least one minute or use properly treated bottled water. Avoid ice in drinks unless you know it was made from safe water. Carry a reusable bottle with filtered or boiled water when moving through the city. Second, be extremely careful with street food. Eat only foods that are freshly cooked and served piping hot. Avoid raw vegetables and fruits you cannot peel yourself, including salads from roadside vendors. Avoid unbottled sauces and drinks. Third, wash your hands frequently with soap and clean water, especially before eating and after using the toilet. When soap is not available, use hand sanitizer with at least 60 percent alcohol. Fourth, get vaccinated before arriving in Lomé. Two vaccines are available — an injectable version and an oral version. Discuss with your doctor which suits your travel timeline, as they require different schedules. Fifth, be especially cautious during the rainy season from April through July when flooding raises contamination risks. Stick to restaurants with visible hygiene standards and avoid eating near open drainage areas and markets with standing water. If you develop a sustained fever during or after your stay, seek medical care immediately and mention your travel history, as early antibiotic treatment prevents serious complications.