Typhoid fever remains one of the common infections we see at Mascot Healthcare Clinic, especially among residents of Lagos. The illness, caused by Salmonella typhi bacteria, spreads mainly through contaminated food and water.
Despite being preventable, it continues to affect thousands of people every year — particularly in areas with poor sanitation or unsafe water supply.
In this post, we’ll highlight the main sources of typhoid infection in Lagos and share practical steps to protect yourself and your family.
1. Contaminated Water Sources
Unsafe water is one of the biggest causes of typhoid in Lagos.
Many homes depend on boreholes, wells, or sachet water that are not always properly treated. During rainfall and flooding, sewage often seeps into water systems, making them unsafe for drinking or cooking.
How to stay safe:
Always boil or treat your drinking water. When buying sachet or bottled water, choose only NAFDAC-approved brands and store them in a clean, covered container.
2. Poor Sanitation and Open Defecation
In some parts of Lagos, open defecation and poor waste disposal are still common. Human waste left in the open can contaminate nearby water or food sources, especially when rainwater carries sewage into streets and drains.
What to do:
- Always wash your hands with soap and clean water after using the toilet and before eating.
- Encourage the use of proper toilets in your home or workplace.
- Keep your surroundings clean to reduce the spread of germs.
3. Unsafe Food Handling
Street foods are part of Lagos life, but some are prepared in unhygienic environments. If a food vendor uses dirty water or handles food without washing their hands, they can easily spread typhoid bacteria.
Safety tips:
- Eat only from vendors who keep clean stalls and serve freshly cooked food.
- Avoid raw vegetables and fruits that may have been washed with unsafe water.
- At home, cook food thoroughly and store leftovers properly.
4. Flooding and Drainage Contamination
During the rainy season, many parts of Lagos experience flooding. Floodwater often mixes with sewage, overflowing from drainage channels and contaminating water and food sources. This is one reason typhoid tends to increase after heavy rainfall.
5. Poor Personal Hygiene
Even when water and food are safe, poor hand hygiene can lead to infection. Typhoid spreads easily when people don’t wash their hands properly, especially after using the toilet or before handling food.
Safety Tip:
Carry hand sanitizer or soap when outside your home. Teach children the importance of handwashing to help break the cycle of infection.
6. Inadequate Waste Management
Overflowing refuse bins and blocked drainage channels are common in Lagos and contribute indirectly to typhoid transmission. Flies can land on waste or feces and then contaminate food.
Tip:
Dispose of household waste properly and cover dustbins to keep flies away.
Preventing Typhoid — Simple But Effective Steps
✅ Drink and cook with safe water only
✅ Wash hands regularly with soap and clean water
✅ Eat freshly prepared and well-cooked food
✅ Keep toilets and surroundings clean
✅ Get typhoid vaccination
When to See a Doctor
See a doctor if you experience:
- Persistent high fever
- Abdominal pain
- Weakness or headache
- Loss of appetite
- Diarrhoea or constipation
Early diagnosis and treatment prevent serious complications.
At Mascot Healthcare Clinic, we provide reliable typhoid testing and treatment, including blood and stool tests for accurate diagnosis.
If you suspect typhoid fever or want to prevent infection, visit us for screening and treatment today.
📍 Address: No. 52 Sholanke Street, Akoka, Lagos
📞 Phone: 08165866252
💻 Mascot Healthcare Clinic — Caring for You, Every Day.