British Backpacker Survives Typhoid Fever on Indonesian Island

A 27-year-old British backpacker, Alysha Pyrgotis, experienced a harrowing ordeal after mistaking the symptoms of a severe infection for a hangover. Following a night of partying on the Indonesian island of Gili Trawangan in June 2024, Pyrgotis’s condition rapidly deteriorated, revealing that she had contracted typhoid fever, a potentially fatal bacterial infection.

Pyrgotis, originally from Bradford, described her symptoms as debilitating. She suffered from extreme vomiting and diarrhea, leading her to believe she was on the verge of death. “I thought I was going to die, to be honest. It was that bad,” she stated. The illness is known to kill nearly 100,000 people globally each year if left untreated.

Emergency Response and Diagnosis

On the small island, healthcare facilities were limited, which exacerbated Pyrgotis’s situation. Her travel companion recognized her worsening state and sought help from the hostel staff. “We looked online, there weren’t any hospitals or anything,” she recalled. A local doctor was eventually called to assess her condition and performed blood tests, which confirmed the diagnosis of typhoid.

Pyrgotis suspects she contracted the infection from contaminated food. “I just wasn’t careful where I ordered my food from,” she admitted, emphasizing the importance of being cautious with street food. Typhoid fever spreads through unclean food or water, with symptoms including high fever, headaches, and gastrointestinal issues, according to the NHS.

After enduring six days of severe illness, Pyrgotis received treatment via an intravenous drip in a cramped medical facility. Even after her initial treatment, she faced challenges. “I had to get out of Indonesia because my visa would run out,” she explained. With her health still compromised, she managed to board a flight to Bangkok the following day.

Travel Precautions and Health Advice

Reflecting on her experience, Pyrgotis did not inform her family about her illness until after returning from Indonesia. “I was really worried about telling my family,” she said, noting that they were already under stress due to work commitments. This added to her anxiety, as she felt trapped in a foreign country while battling a serious infection.

Pyrgotis’s journey was part of a seven-and-a-half-month trip across Southeast Asia, following a personal breakup that prompted her spontaneous travel plans. Her itinerary included stops in Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam, Laos, and the Philippines before arriving in Indonesia.

She strongly advises future travelers to ensure they maintain proper hygiene, particularly handwashing, and to be cautious about their food choices. “I was in the middle of nowhere, petting stray animals and then going about my day without access to any water to wash my hands,” she cautioned.

The NHS recommends that travelers to regions where typhoid fever is prevalent should consider vaccination. The vaccine can last for up to three years and is available as an injection or in tablet form. It is advisable to consult with a healthcare provider six to eight weeks prior to travel.

Pyrgotis’s experience highlights the potential health risks associated with travel in remote areas and serves as a stark reminder of the importance of health precautions while exploring new destinations.