What is Typhoid Fever?

Typhoid fever is an infection caused by the bacterium Salmonella Typhi. It usually spreads through food and water contaminated with the bacteria. It is most common in parts of the world where there is poor sanitation and inadequate water treatment.

People who are infected with typhoid fever carry the bacteria in their intestines and blood. It passes through their feces (poop). You can get the bacteria if you eat or drink something prepared by an infected person who is shedding (getting rid of) the bacteria and has not washed their hands properly.

Typhoid fever is a very serious illness that can be life-threatening. Most people who are diagnosed with typhoid fever in the United States became infected while traveling to other countries where the disease is more common. The CDC estimates that typhoid fever affects 5,700 people in the United States each year.

What are the symptoms of typhoid fever?

In early stages of typhoid fever, common symptoms include abdominal pain and fever. As the disease progresses, other symptoms show up. These include:

  • High fever, up to 104 degrees F
  • Headaches
  • Diarrhea or constipation
  • Cough
  • Loss of appetite
  • Fatigue and weakness
  • Small red spots on the stomach or chest

What is the treatment for typhoid fever?

Typhoid fever is treated with antibiotics. However, the bacteria is becoming more resistant to antibiotics, meaning it does not work as well for treating the disease.

Your doctor will test the bacteria to determine how it should be treated. People who do not get appropriate treatment can have a fever that lasts weeks or months and may develop other health problems. Additional health problems could include kidney failure or intestinal hemorrhage (severe bleeding). It can also potentially cause death.

Even if symptoms go away, an infected person may still be carrying the bacteria and the sickness could return or the bacteria could be passed to other people.

How can I prevent getting typhoid fever?

Vaccination is the best way to protect against typhoid fever.

Practicing safe eating and drinking habits is also important, especially when traveling out of the country.

Keep these tips in mind when you travel to a high-risk area:

  • Buy bottled water or boil local water for at least one minute before drinking.
  • Ask for drinks without ice. Avoid popsicles or flavored ices.
  • Eat foods that have been cooked completely and are still hot and steaming.
  • Avoid raw vegetables and fruits that cannot be peeled. Lettuce can still be contaminated even after it’s washed.
  • Wash your hands with soap and water before eating.
  • Avoid foods and beverages from street vendors unless it’s steaming hot and cooked thoroughly.

Who should get the typhoid fever vaccine?

The CDC recommends vaccination for people traveling to places where typhoid fever is common. This includes places like South Asia, especially India, Pakistan or Bangladesh.

Two typhoid fever vaccines are available in the United States:

  • Oral vaccine – Approved for people six years of age and older. It consists of four pills taken every other day and should be finished at least one week before travel.
  • Injectable vaccine – Approved for people two years of age and older. It should be given at least two weeks before travel.

Typhoid fever vaccines lose effectiveness over time, so they require boosters. The oral vaccine requires a booster every five years. The injectable vaccine requires a booster every two years. Talk to your doctor about the best strategy for vaccination.

Side effects from the typhoid fever vaccine are not common but may include fatigue, headache, nausea and vomiting, loss of appetite and diarrhea.

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