Typhoid Fever

Typhoid fever and paratyphoid fever are serious illnesses caused by Salmonella bacteria. It may be Salmonella typhi or Salmonella paratyphi . Typhoid fever is rare in the United States. It occurs most often in developing countries where sanitation is poor. Typhoid fever can be fatal, especially when not treated.

Typhoid fever is caused by eating foods or drinking beverages contaminated with the Salmonella bacteria. Contamination can occur from:

• Food or drinks handled by someone who has no symptoms but carries the bacteria
• Food or drinks handled by someone who is sick or coming down with typhoid fever
• Poultry products left unrefrigerated
• Sewage contamination of water or food
• Unpasteurized dairy products

Once bacteria enter the body, they infect the intestine. Bacteria can be carried through the bloodstream to other organs.

A risk factor is something that increases your chance of getting a disease or condition. Risk factors include:

• Drinking contaminated water
• Eating fruits and vegetables that are raw or have been washed with contaminated water
• Eating raw shellfish
• Living in, or recent travel, to a country with poor sanitation

Symptoms may include:

• Constipation or diarrhea
• Abdominal pain
• Chills
• Dizziness
• Fatigue or lethargy
• Fever, often for a prolonged time
• Loss of appetite
• Muscle pains
• Rose-colored spots on the body
• Severe headaches
• Swelling of the neck glands, liver, or spleen

The doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history. A physical exam will be done. Typhoid fever is usually diagnosed with a blood culture.

Typhoid fever is treated with antibiotics.

Typhoid fever is very contagious until treated. In a small number of cases, people may become typhoid carriers even after the illness has subsided. People who are chronic carriers can shed contagious Salmonella bacteria in their stool or urine. This condition can be treated with antibiotics or, in unusual cases, surgery.

There are two main ways to prevent typhoid fever:

Vaccine—A typhoid vaccine is recommended if you are planning to visit a country where typhoid fever is prevalent. However, the vaccine is not always effective and careful food monitoring is just as important. Visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website to find out if you should be vaccinated before traveling: http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/list.htm.

Careful food monitoring—When you are in an area where typhoid fever is prevalent, always take the following precautions:

• Avoid any raw fruits and vegetables that cannot be peeled.
• Avoid raw shellfish.
• Avoid unpasteurized dairy products.
• Drink only bottled water or water that has been boiled for at least one minute. This includes ice.
• Eat foods while they are still hot, and ensure that they are thoroughly cooked.