Typhoid Fever | Disease Directory | Travelers’ Health

What is typhoid fever?

Typhoid fever and paratyphoid fever are similar diseases caused by bacteria. Salmonella Typhi bacteria cause typhoid fever. Salmonella Paratyphi bacteria cause paratyphoid fever.

People infected with these bacteria can spread them to others. This typically happens when an infected person uses the bathroom and does not wash their hands. The bacteria can stay on their hands and contaminate everything that the person touches, including food and drinks.

In countries with poor sanitation, the water used to rinse and prepare food and beverages, including tap water, can also be contaminated with these bacteria. Travelers who eat foods or drink beverages contaminated with these bacteria can then get sick.

Typhoid fever and paratyphoid fever cause similar symptoms. People with these diseases usually have a fever that can be as high as 103 to 104°F (39 to 40°C). They also may have weakness, stomach pain, headache, diarrhea or constipation, cough, and loss of appetite. Some people have a rash of flat, rose-colored spots.  Internal bleeding and death can occur but are rare.

Who is at risk?

Where are you going?

— Select One –AfghanistanAlbaniaAlgeriaAmerican SamoaAndorraAnegadaAngolaAnguilla (U.K.)AntarcticaAntigua and BarbudaArgentinaArmeniaArubaAustral IslandsAustraliaAustriaAzerbaijanAzoresBahamas, TheBahrainBangladeshBarbadosBarbudaBelarusBelgiumBelizeBeninBermuda (U.K.)BhutanBoliviaBonaireBora-BoraBosnia and HerzegovinaBotswanaBrazilBritish Indian Ocean Territory (U.K.)BruneiBulgariaBurkina FasoBurma (Myanmar)BurundiCaicos IslandsCambodiaCameroonCanadaCanary Islands (Spain)Cape VerdeCayman Islands (U.K.)Central African RepublicChadChileChinaChristmas Island (Australia)Cocos (Keeling) Islands (Australia)ColombiaComorosCongo, Republic of theCook Islands (New Zealand)Costa RicaCôte d’IvoireCroatiaCubaCuraçaoCyprusCzech RepublicDemocratic Republic of the CongoDenmarkDjiboutiDominicaDominican RepublicDubaiEaster Island (Chile)EcuadorEgyptEl SalvadorEnglandEquatorial GuineaEritreaEstoniaEswatini (Swaziland)EthiopiaFalkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)Faroe Islands (Denmark)FijiFinlandFranceFrench Guiana (France)French Polynesia (France)GabonGalápagos IslandsGambia, TheGeorgiaGermanyGhanaGibraltar (U. K.)GreeceGreenland (Denmark)GrenadaGrenadinesGuadeloupeGuam (U.S.)GuatemalaGuernseyGuineaGuinea-BissauGuyanaHaitiHoly SeeHondurasHong Kong SAR (China)HungaryIcelandIndiaIndonesiaIranIraqIrelandIsle of ManIsrael, including the West Bank and GazaItalyIvory CoastJamaicaJapanJerseyJordanJost Van DykeKazakhstanKenyaKiribatiKosovoKuwaitKyrgyzstanLaosLatviaLebanonLesothoLiberiaLibyaLiechtensteinLithuaniaLuxembourgMacau SAR (China)MadagascarMadeira Islands (Portugal)MalawiMalaysiaMaldivesMaliMaltaMarquesas IslandsMarshall IslandsMartinique (France)MauritaniaMauritiusMayotte (France)MexicoMicronesia, Federated States ofMoldovaMonacoMongoliaMontenegroMontserrat (U.K.)MooreaMoroccoMozambiqueMyanmar (Burma)NamibiaNauruNepalNetherlands, TheNew Caledonia (France)New ZealandNicaraguaNigerNigeriaNiue (New Zealand)Norfolk Island (Australia)North KoreaNorth MacedoniaNorthern IrelandNorthern Mariana Islands (U.S.)NorwayOmanPakistanPalauPanamaPapua New GuineaParaguayPeruPhilippinesPitcairn Islands (U.K.)PolandPortugalPuerto Rico (U. S.)QatarRéunion (France)RomaniaRotaRurutuRussiaRwandaSabaSaint BarthelemySaint CroixSaint Helena (U.K.)Saint JohnSaint Kitts and NevisSaint LuciaSaint MartinSaint Pierre and Miquelon (France)Saint ThomasSaint Vincent and the GrenadinesSaipanSamoaSan MarinoSão Tomé and PríncipeSaudi ArabiaScotlandSenegalSerbiaSeychellesSierra LeoneSingaporeSint EustatiusSint MaartenSlovakiaSloveniaSociety IslandsSolomon IslandsSomaliaSouth AfricaSouth Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands (U.K.)South KoreaSouth Sandwich IslandsSouth SudanSpainSri LankaSudanSurinameSwaziland (Eswatini)SwedenSwitzerlandSyriaTahitiTaiwanTajikistanTanzaniaThailandTimor-Leste (East Timor)TinianTobagoTogoTokelau (New Zealand)TongaTortolaTrinidad and TobagoTubuaiTunisiaTurkeyTurkmenistanTurks and Caicos Islands (U.K.)TuvaluUgandaUkraineUnited Arab EmiratesUnited KingdomUnited StatesUruguayUzbekistanVanuatuVatican CityVenezuelaVietnamVirgin GordaVirgin Islands, BritishVirgin Islands, U.S.Wake IslandWalesYemenZambiaZanzibarZimbabwe

Typhoid and paratyphoid fever are most common in parts of the world where water and food may be unsafe and sanitation is poor. Travelers to Eastern and Southern Asia (especially Pakistan India, and Bangladesh), Africa, the Caribbean, Central and South America, and the Middle East are at increased risk for typhoid and paratyphoid fever. 

People visiting friends or relatives are more likely than other travelers to get typhoid fever because they may stay in the country longer, may be less cautious about the food they eat or the beverages they drink because they eat local food prepared in people’s homes, and may not think to get vaccinated before traveling.

In the United States each year, about 425 people are diagnosed with typhoid fever and about 125 people are diagnosed with paratyphoid fever each year. Most of these people travelled internationally.  

What can travelers do to prevent typhoid fever?

Getting vaccinated, choosing food and drinks carefully, and washing your hands are the best ways to avoid getting typhoid.

Check if the typhoid fever vaccination is recommended for your destination. Two typhoid vaccines are available in the United States. Visit your doctor or a travel clinic at least one month before traveling to discuss your options.

• Pill vaccine. People 6 years old and older can take the pill vaccine. Finish taking all four pills (one pill every other day) at least 1 week before travel.
• Shot vaccine. People 2 years old and older can get the shot vaccine. Get one shot (or a booster shot) at least 2 weeks before travel.

Typhoid vaccines are only 50 to 80% effective, so you should still be careful about what you eat and drink to lower your risk of getting typhoid fever. Also, there isn’t a vaccine that protects against paratyphoid fever. For these reasons, it’s very important that you also take the following steps to prevent typhoid.

Choose food and drinks carefully

• Only eat foods that are cooked and served hot
• Avoid food that has been sitting on a buffet
• Eat raw fruits and vegetables only if you have washed them in clean water or peeled them
• Only drink beverages from factory-sealed containers
• Avoid ice because it may have been made from unsafe water
• Only drink pasteurized milk

Wash your hands

• Wash hands often with soap and water for 20 seconds, especially after using the bathroom and before eating
• If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol
• Keep your hands away from your face and mouth

After Travel

If you traveled and feel sick, particularly if you have a fever, talk to a healthcare provider and tell them about your travel.  

If you need medical care abroad, see Getting Health Care During Travel.

More Information

• Prevention Tips for Travelers
• Typhoid Fever and Paratyphoid Fever
• CDC Yellow Book: Typhoid & Paratyphoid Fever
• Water Disinfection

Typhoid

Typhoid

• All topics »
• A
• B
• C
• D
• E
• F
• G
• H
• I
• J
• K
• L
• M
• N
• O
• P
• Q
• R
• S
• T
• U
• V
• W
• X
• Y
• Z
• Resources »
  • Fact sheets
  • Facts in pictures
  • Multimedia
  • Publications
  • Questions & answers
  • Tools and toolkits
• Popular »
  • Air pollution
  • Coronavirus disease (COVID-19)
  • Hepatitis
  • Monkeypox
• All countries »
• A
• B
• C
• D
• E
• F
• G
• H
• I
• J
• K
• L
• M
• N
• O
• P
• Q
• R
• S
• T
• U
• V
• W
• X
• Y
• Z
• Regions »
  • Africa
  • Americas
  • South-East Asia
  • Europe
  • Eastern Mediterranean
  • Western Pacific
• WHO in countries »
  • Statistics
  • Cooperation strategies
  • Ukraine emergency
• All news »
  • News releases
  • Statements
  • Campaigns
  • Commentaries
  • Events
  • Feature stories
  • Speeches
  • Spotlights
  • Newsletters
  • Photo library
  • Media distribution list
• Headlines »
• Focus on »
  • Afghanistan crisis
  • COVID-19 pandemic
  • Northern Ethiopia crisis
  • Syria crisis
  • Ukraine emergency
  • Monkeypox outbreak
  • Greater Horn of Africa crisis
• Latest »
  • Disease Outbreak News
  • Travel advice
  • Situation reports
  • Weekly Epidemiological Record
• WHO in emergencies »
  • Surveillance
  • Research
  • Funding
  • Partners
  • Operations
  • Independent Oversight and Advisory Committee
  • WHO’s Health Emergency Appeal 2023
• Data at WHO »
  • Global Health Estimates
  • Health SDGs
  • Mortality Database
  • Data collections
• Dashboards »
  • COVID-19 Dashboard
  • Triple Billion Dashboard
  • Health Inequality Monitor
• Highlights »
  • Global Health Observatory
  • SCORE
  • Insights and visualizations
  • Data collection tools
• Reports »
  • World Health Statistics 2022
  • COVID excess deaths
  • DDI IN FOCUS: 2022
• About WHO »
  • People
  • Teams
  • Structure
  • Partnerships and collaboration
  • Collaborating centres
  • Networks, committees and advisory groups
  • Transformation
• Our Work »
  • General Programme of Work
  • WHO Academy
  • Activities
  • Initiatives
• Funding »
  • Investment case
  • WHO Foundation
• Accountability »
  • Audit
  • Programme Budget
  • Financial statements
  • Programme Budget Portal
  • Results Report
• Governance »
  • World Health Assembly
  • Executive Board
  • Election of Director-General
  • Governing Bodies website
  • Member States Portal
• Home/
• Newsroom/
• Fact sheets/
• Detail/
• Typhoid

©
Credits

Key facts

• As of 2019, an estimated 9 million people get sick from typhoid and 110 000 people die from it every year.
• Symptoms include prolonged fever, fatigue, headache, nausea, abdominal pain, and constipation or diarrhoea. Some patients may have a rash. Severe cases may lead to serious complications or even death.
• Typhoid fever can be treated with antibiotics although increasing resistance to different types of antibiotics is making treatment more complicated.
• The typhoid conjugate vaccine is recommended for use in children from 6 months of age and in adults up to 45 years or 65 years (depending on the vaccine).
• Two typhoid conjugate vaccines have been prequalified by WHO since December 2017 and are being introduced into childhood immunization programmes in typhoid endemic countries.

Overview

Typhoid fever is a life-threatening infection caused by the bacterium Salmonella Typhi. It is usually spread through contaminated food or water. Once Salmonella Typhi bacteria are ingested, they multiply and spread into the bloodstream.

Urbanization and climate change have the potential to increase the global burden of typhoid. In addition, increasing resistance to antibiotic treatment is making it easier for typhoid to spread in communities that lack access to safe drinking water or adequate sanitation.

Symptoms

Salmonella Typhi lives only in humans. Persons with typhoid fever carry the bacteria in their bloodstream and intestinal tract. Symptoms include prolonged high fever, fatigue, headache, nausea, abdominal pain, and constipation or diarrhoea. Some patients may have a rash. Severe cases may lead to serious complications or even death. Typhoid fever can be confirmed through blood testing.

Epidemiology, risk factors and disease burden

Improved living conditions and the introduction of antibiotics resulted in a drastic reduction of typhoid fever morbidity and mortality in industrialized countries. However, the disease continues to be a public health problem in many developing areas of the WHO African, Eastern Mediterranean, South-East Asia and Western Pacific Regions.

As of 2019 estimates, there are 9 million cases of typhoid fever annually, resulting in about 110 000 deaths per year.

Typhoid risk is higher in populations that lack access to safe water and adequate sanitation, and children are at highest risk.

Treatment

Typhoid fever can be treated with antibiotics.  Antimicrobial resistance is common with likelihood of more complicated and expensive treatment options required in the most affected regions.

Even when the symptoms go away, people may still be carrying typhoid bacteria, meaning they can spread it to others, through shedding of bacteria in their faeces.

It is important for people being treated for typhoid fever to do the following:

• Take prescribed antibiotics for as long as the doctor has prescribed.
• Wash their hands with soap and water after using the bathroom and avoid preparing or serving food for other people. This will lower the chance of passing the infection on to someone else.
• Have their doctor test to ensure that no Salmonella Typhi bacteria remain in their body.

Prevention

Typhoid fever is common in places with poor sanitation and a lack of safe drinking water. Access to safe water and adequate sanitation, hygiene among food handlers and typhoid vaccination are all effective in preventing typhoid fever.

Typhoid conjugate vaccine, consisting of the purified Vi antigen linked to a carrier protein, is given as a single injectable dose in children from 6 months of age and in adults up to 45 years or 65 years (depending on the vaccine).

Two additional vaccines have been used for many years in older children and adults at risk of typhoid, including travellers. These vaccines do not provide long-lasting immunity (requiring repeat or booster doses) and are not approved for children younger than 2 years old:

• an injectable vaccine based on the purified antigen for people aged 2 years and above; and
• a live attenuated oral vaccine in capsule formulation for people aged over 6 years.

Two typhoid conjugate vaccines have been prequalified by WHO since December 2017 and are being introduced into childhood immunization programmes in typhoid endemic countries.

All travellers to endemic areas are at potential risk of typhoid fever, although the risk is generally low in tourist and business centres where standards of accommodation, sanitation and food hygiene are high. Typhoid fever vaccination should be offered to travellers to destinations where the risk of typhoid fever is high.

The following recommendations will help ensure safety while travelling:

• Ensure food is properly cooked and still hot when served.
• Avoid raw milk and products made from raw milk. Drink only pasteurized or boiled milk.
• Avoid ice unless it is made from safe water.
• When the safety of drinking water is questionable, boil it, or if this is not possible, disinfect it with a reliable, slow-release disinfectant agent (usually available at pharmacies).
• Wash hands thoroughly and frequently using soap, in particular after contact with pets or farm animals, or after having been to the toilet.
• Wash fruits and vegetables carefully, particularly if they are eaten raw. If possible, vegetables and fruits should be peeled.

WHO response

In October 2017, the Strategic Advisory Group of Experts on Immunization (SAGE), which advises WHO on vaccine use, issued a recommendation for the typhoid conjugate vaccine to be added to routine childhood immunization programmes in typhoid endemic countries. SAGE also called for the introduction of typhoid conjugate vaccine to be prioritized for countries with the highest burden of typhoid disease or high levels of antibiotic resistance to Salmonella Typhi.

Starting in 2019, Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance has provided funding to support typhoid conjugate vaccine use in eligible countries.

As at March 2023, WHO has prequalified two conjugate vaccines for the prevention of typhoid. Typhoid conjugate vaccine has longer-lasting immunity than the older typhoid vaccines and can be given as a single dose to children from the age of 6 months.

In addition to decreasing the disease burden in endemic countries and saving lives, widespread use of the typhoid conjugate vaccine in affected countries is expected to reduce the need for antibiotics for typhoid treatment and slow the increase in antibiotic resistance in Salmonella Typhi.

Typhoid fever

Typhoid fever

• Health Issues »
• A
• B
• C
• D
• D
• E
• Y

R

• C
• T
• U
• F
• X
• C
• H
• W
• W 9000 5
• b
• S
• B
• E
• S
• I
• Popular Topics
  • Air pollution
  • Coronavirus disease (COVID-19)
  • Hepatitis
• Data and statistics »
  • News bulletin
  • The facts are clear
  • Publications
• Find country »
• A
• B
• C
• D
• L
• E
• Y
• W
• W
• Y
• Y
• K

90 004 L

• M
• H
• O
• R
• R
• S
• T
• U
• F 9 0005
• X
• C
• H
• W
• W
• B
• S
• L

900 04 E

• Yu
• I
• WHO in countries »
  • Reporting
• Regions »
  • Africa
  • America
  • Southeast Asia
  • Europe
  • Eastern Mediterranean
  • Western Pacific
• Media Center
  • Press releases
  • Statements
  • Media messages
  • Comments
  • Reporting
  • Online Q&A
  • Events
  • Photo reports
  • Case Studies
  • Questions and answers
  • Speeches
• Update
• Emergencies ”
• News ”
  • Disease Outbreak News
• WHO data »
• Dashboards »
  • COVID-19 Monitoring Dashboard
• Basic moments ”
• About WHO »
  • CEO
  • About WHO
  • WHO activities
  • Where does WHO work?
• Governing Bodies »
  • World Health Assembly
  • Executive committee
• Main page/
• Media Center /
• Newsletters/
• Read more/
• Typhoid fever

©
Photo

Key Facts

• As of 2019, approximately 9 million people fall ill with typhoid and 110,000 die from it each year.
• Symptoms include prolonged high fever, fatigue, headache, nausea, abdominal pain and constipation or diarrhea. Some patients may develop a rash. Severe cases of the disease can lead to serious complications and even death.
• Typhoid fever can be treated with antibiotics, but increasing resistance to different types of antibiotics complicates treatment.
• Typhoid conjugate vaccine is recommended for use in children aged 6 months and adults up to 45 or 65 years of age (depending on the vaccine).
• Since December 2017, WHO has been prequalifying two typhoid conjugate vaccines for introduction into childhood immunization programs in typhoid-endemic countries.

---

Overview

Typhoid fever is a life-threatening infection caused by the Salmonella Typhi bacterium. It is usually spread through contaminated food or water. After entering the body, the bacteria Salmonella Typhi begin to multiply and penetrate into the blood.

Urbanization and climate change may exacerbate the global burden of typhoid fever. In addition, increasing bacterial resistance to antibiotics is contributing to the spread of typhus in communities without access to drinking water and adequate sanitation.

Symptoms

Salmonella Typhi lives only in the human body. People with typhoid fever carry the bacteria in their blood and intestines. Symptoms include prolonged high fever, fatigue, headache, nausea, abdominal pain, and constipation or diarrhea. Some patients may develop a rash. Severe cases of the disease can lead to serious complications and even death. Typhoid fever can be confirmed with a blood test.

Epidemiology, risk factors and disease burden

Improved housing conditions and the introduction of antibiotics have led to a dramatic decline in typhoid incidence and mortality in industrialized countries. However, the disease continues to be a public health problem in many developing parts of the WHO regions for Africa, the Eastern Mediterranean, South-East Asia and the Western Pacific.

An estimated 9 million cases of typhoid fever occur annually in 2019, resulting in about 110,000 deaths per year.

Populations without access to safe water and adequate sanitation are at increased risk of disease, with children most at risk.

Treatment

Typhoid fever can be treated with antibiotics. Due to the prevalence of antimicrobial resistance in the most affected regions, more complex and costly treatment options may be required.

Even after the symptoms disappear, people can still carry typhoid bacteria, which can be excreted in their feces and transmitted to other people.

It is important that people receiving treatment for typhoid fever take the following steps:

• Complete the course of antibiotics prescribed by the doctor.
• Wash hands with soap and water after going to the toilet, do not cook or serve food to other people. This will reduce the chance of transmission.
• Have a doctor test to confirm they are no longer a carrier of Salmonella Typhi .

Prevention

Typhoid fever is common in areas with poor sanitation and lack of safe drinking water. Access to safe water and adequate sanitation, food handler hygiene, and typhoid vaccination are effective measures to prevent the disease.

Typhoid conjugate vaccine, consisting of a purified Vi antigen coupled to a carrier protein, is given as a single injection dose to children 6 months of age and older and adults up to 45 or 65 years of age (depending on the vaccine).

Two additional vaccines have been used for many years for older children and adults at risk of typhoid fever, including travelers. These vaccines do not provide long-term immunity (repeat or booster doses are required) and are not approved for use in children under two years of age:

• purified antigen injectable vaccine for persons two years of age and older; and
• live attenuated oral vaccine in capsule form for persons over six years of age.

Since December 2017, WHO has been prequalifying two typhoid conjugate vaccines for introduction into childhood immunization programs in typhoid-endemic countries.

All travelers to endemic areas are at potential risk of typhoid fever, although this risk is generally low in tourist and business centers with high standards of accommodation, sanitation and food hygiene. Persons traveling to high-risk areas should be offered typhoid vaccination.

The following tips will help you stay safe while traveling:

• Make sure food is properly cooked and still hot when served.
• Avoid raw milk and raw milk products. Drink only pasteurized or boiled milk.
• Use only ice that is made from safe water.
• If you are not sure if drinking water is safe, boil it or, if this is not possible, disinfect it with reliable slow release disinfectants (commonly available in pharmacies).
• Wash your hands thoroughly and often with soap and water, especially after contact with pets or farm animals and after going to the toilet.
• Wash fruits and vegetables thoroughly, especially if they are eaten raw. Whenever possible, vegetables and fruits should be peeled.

WHO activities

In October 2017, the Strategic Advisory Group of Experts on Immunization (SAGE), which advises WHO on the use of vaccines, issued a recommendation to include typhoid conjugate vaccine in routine childhood immunization programs in typhoid-endemic countries. SAGE also called for the priority introduction of typhoid conjugate vaccines in countries with the highest typhoid burden or high levels of resistance Salmonella Typhi to antibiotics.

Since 2019, the Gavi Vaccine Alliance has provided funding to support the use of typhoid conjugate vaccine in eligible countries.

As of March 2023, two conjugate vaccines have been prequalified by WHO for the prevention of typhoid fever. They provide longer-lasting immunity than older vaccines and can be given as a single dose to children as young as 6 months of age.

Widespread use of typhoid conjugate vaccines in affected countries is expected not only to reduce the burden of disease in endemic countries and save lives, but also to reduce the need for antibiotics to treat typhoid fever and slow the growth of Salmonella Typhi antibiotic resistance.

Typhoid fever in adults: symptoms, treatment and prevention

Typhoid fever in adults – symptoms, causes and treatment. Learn all about a progressive disease that can lead to serious complications and death.

Typhoid fever, also known as typhoid fever, is an infectious disease caused by the bacterium Salmonella typhi. This disease often occurs in countries with poor hygiene and poor living conditions. Typhoid fever in adults can cause serious complications, so it is important to know the causes, symptoms, and treatments for this condition.

Typhoid fever is caused by contact with an infected person or eating food that has come into contact with contaminated water or soil. After entering the stomach, Salmonella typhi bacteria begin to multiply and enter the bloodstream, causing a strong toxic effect on the body.

Symptoms of typhoid fever in adults may include: high body temperature, headache, nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea. If the disease is not treated, it can cause serious complications such as bleeding, liver abscesses, acute pancreatitis, and sepsis.

If you notice symptoms of typhoid fever in adults, call your doctor right away. Treatment for this disease may include antibiotics and diet.

As a preventive measure, it is recommended to keep your hands clean, not to drink unboiled water and not to eat questionable food, especially when traveling abroad.

Typhoid fever is an acute infectious disease caused by the bacterium Salmonella typhi. It is transmitted through food and water contaminated with faeces. The disease is characterized by fever, vomiting, abdominal pain and headache. In addition, the patient experiences weakness, sweating and often constipation.

After a week from the first signs of the disease, a rash characteristic of typhoid fever appears. Symptoms may decrease slightly, but then increase again. In some people, the disease goes away without severe symptoms, but they continue to infect others.

The disease most often affects people living in countries with poor sanitation: in Central and South America, South Asia, India and Africa. There is also a high risk of infection among tourists traveling to these regions and not following the rules of hygiene.

There is a vaccine for typhoid fever, but it does not provide complete protection against the disease. Therefore, it is important to follow preventive measures: wash your hands before eating and after using the toilet, drink only bottled water and avoid eating untested products.

Typhoid fever is an infectious disease caused by the bacterium Salmonella typhi, which enters the body through the mouth after eating contaminated food or water.

Other risk factors for developing typhoid fever include travel to countries with a high incidence, contact with infected people, poor quality food and water, and a weakened immune system.

In general, the causes of typhoid fever in adults are associated with a violation of hygiene standards, which leads to infection with the bacterium Salmonella typhi and the development of an infectious disease.

Q&A:

What is typhoid fever?

Typhoid fever is an infectious disease caused by the bacterium Salmonella typhi. It is transmitted through contaminated water and food, and through contact with infected people. Typical symptoms of typhoid fever are high fever, severe abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting, intestinal upset, and general weakness.

How is typhoid fever diagnosed?

Diagnosis of typhoid fever is made through the clinical manifestations of the disease, as well as through laboratory tests such as blood, urine and stool tests for the presence of Salmonella typhi bacteria. In addition, endoscopy of the stomach and intestines, as well as x-ray studies, can be performed.

How is typhoid fever treated?

Treatment for typhoid fever includes absolute rest, a strict diet, antibiotics and other medications to relieve the symptoms of the disease. In severe cases, hospitalization, drip fluids and solutions may be required to maintain the normal functioning of the body.

What preventive measure can be taken to prevent typhoid fever?

One way to prevent typhoid fever is to practice good personal hygiene, such as washing hands before eating and after going to the bathroom, and paying close attention to the quality of water and food. Contact with infected persons should also be avoided and only proven food should be preferred.

What are the consequences of typhoid fever?

The consequences of typhoid fever, if not diagnosed and treated promptly, can be very serious. In severe cases, the disease can lead to paralysis, intestinal perforation, and sepsis, which can be life threatening. Various complications may also occur, such as acute heart failure, inflammatory processes in other organs and systems.

How long is the incubation period for typhoid fever?

The incubation period for typhoid fever can be 1 to 3 weeks. Its duration depends on many factors, such as the general state of the immune system, the age and physical condition of the person, as well as the specific conditions of infection and the direction of the disease.

Symptoms of typhoid fever

Typhoid fever is a dangerous infectious disease that can lead to serious complications. Although the incubation period can be up to two weeks, patients with typhoid fever may develop certain symptoms sooner or later.

One of the first signs of illness is an increase in body temperature to 38-39 degrees Celsius, which lasts for at least a week. In addition, patients may complain of headache, weakness, and fatigue.

As the disease progresses, the characteristic symptoms of typhoid fever may appear, such as abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. And also there is a “typhoid fever”, which is associated with a violation of the level of hormonal and nervous reactions in the body.

1. Increase in body temperature up to 38-39 degrees Celsius;
2. Headache, weakness and fatigue;
3. Abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea;
4. “Typhoid fever”.

If you have any of these symptoms, contact your health care provider and have your blood tested to avoid complications and start treatment for typhoid fever in a timely manner.

Methods for diagnosing typhoid fever

Clinical examination

To diagnose typhoid fever, the doctor conducts a clinical examination of the patient, including checking body temperature, pressure and pulse. The doctor also examines the skin for a rash, and also palpates the abdomen for soreness and enlargement of the liver and spleen.

Laboratory examination

One of the main diagnostic methods for typhoid fever is a laboratory examination. For this, the patient takes a blood and urine test, and also examines the feces. In typhoid fever, an increased number of white blood cells is detected in the blood, as well as altered levels of protein and glucose. In addition, the presence of Salmonella bacteria is found in the feces.

Imaging

Imaging tests, such as an abdominal ultrasound, may be done to confirm the diagnosis of typhoid fever. This allows you to identify changes in the organs caused by infection. In addition, methods such as computed tomography and x-rays can be used to more accurately diagnose typhoid if needed.

Early diagnosis

For earlier diagnosis of typhoid fever, it is important to pay attention to the first symptoms of the disease, such as: fever, headache, nausea, indigestion. If you suspect typhoid fever, it is recommended to immediately consult a doctor and conduct a comprehensive examination for timely diagnosis and treatment.

Treatment of typhoid fever: effective methods

1.

Antibiotics

Typhoid fever is an infectious disease caused by the bacterium Salmonella typhi. The main treatment is antibiotics. This allows you to destroy the bacterium that caused the disease. Depending on the severity of the disease and the individual characteristics of the patient, an appropriate antibiotic treatment regimen is selected.

2. Drinking regimen and nutrition

In typhoid fever, it is necessary to provide the body with a sufficient amount of liquid. It is recommended to drink at least 2-3 liters of water per day. It is also worth giving preference to easily digestible food rich in proteins and vitamins. The diet should be varied and consist of food that does not burden the digestive tract.

3. Symptomatic treatment

In addition to the main methods of treatment, it is necessary to provide symptomatic treatment, which is aimed at eliminating the symptoms of the disease. These can be analgesics to reduce pain, antipyretics, antidiarrheal drugs. Rest and hygiene are also recommended to prevent the spread of infection.

• Important to remember! At the first symptoms of typhoid fever, you should consult a doctor. Without timely treatment, the disease can lead to serious complications and even death.
• Course therapy needed! After completing a course of treatment, do not immediately stop taking antibiotics. You should complete the full course of treatment to avoid relapses.

Prevention of typhoid fever

1. Maintain hygiene

One of the main ways to prevent typhoid fever is hygiene. Wash your hands regularly before eating and after visiting public places. Use soap or antiseptic to disinfect your hands.

2. Drink only pure water

Drinking water may contain bacteria that cause typhoid fever. Make sure the water you drink has been professionally purified or boiled for a few minutes.

3. Eat only clean and fresh food

Typhoid fever is often transmitted through food. Make sure your food has been cooked on a clean surface and stored in the right conditions. It is preferable to consume only fresh food.

4. Vaccination

Vaccination is one of the main methods of preventing typhoid fever. This vaccine is designed to protect people from the disease and may be recommended by a doctor depending on the location of travel or type of employment.

5. Support your immune system

Keep your immune system healthy to reduce your risk of typhoid fever. Exercise regularly, eat right and get enough sleep.

Complications of typhoid fever

Pneumonia

One of the most dangerous complications of typhoid fever is pneumonia. It can occur as a result of a person lying down for a long time and disrupting the respiratory system.

Insufficient heart activity

In typhoid fever, cardiac activity is severely impaired, which can lead to severe weakness and dizziness in the future.

Wasting

Loss of appetite and ability to eat normally during illness can lead to significant weight loss and malnutrition. Therefore, it is important to recuperate after an illness.

Spread of the disease to other organs

It is impossible to predict how typhoid fever will affect different organs of a person, but often the disease can be transferred to the liver, kidneys, heart and other organs, which can lead to serious consequences.

Chronic typhoid fever

If uncontrolled, typhoid fever can become chronic, which can lead to health problems for many years.

Typhoid travel prevention

Hygiene

Uncooked food must not be eaten. Only bottled water should be used for drinking, and water should be purified with tap filters or boiled. When eating, do not forget to wash your hands and use special disinfectants.

Vaccination

Vaccination is one of the main methods of preventing typhoid when traveling to countries with poor hygiene. The vaccine can provide protection for up to 3 years and avoid infection.

Avoid contact with contaminated objects

Avoid contact with objects that are most susceptible to infection with typhoid fever – water, food and people that can spread the infection. Try not to use public transport, and avoid visiting places with large crowds of people.

Prophylactic treatment

The possibility of prophylactic treatment may be used when there is a high risk of contracting typhoid fever. This includes the use of antibiotics, which can reduce the risk of infection in an area where the disease is endemic.

Stop the development of the disease in time

At the first sign of typhoid fever, you should immediately seek medical help. Doctors must determine the presence of the disease and adjust the treatment to prevent its development and complications.

Typhoid fever in developing countries

Typhoid fever is one of the most common infectious diseases in developing countries. It causes a significant number of deaths every year, mostly in children and young adults.

Typhoid fever is spread by eating food and water contaminated with the bacterium Salmonella typhi. This bacterium can live in the human intestine, which is the way the disease spreads. Insufficiently washed fruits and vegetables, as well as contaminated water, can harbor bacteria.

The illness may present with flu-like symptoms and other infections, such as fever, headache, nausea, and vomiting. If left untreated, it can lead to serious complications such as damage to the liver, intestines, and heart.

Prevention includes maintaining good hygiene, drinking only clean water and properly processed foods, and vaccinations. Waste management and cleanliness of surfaces also play an important role in preventing the spread of bacteria.

History of typhoid fever

Origin and spread of the disease

Typhoid fever is one of the most common and dangerous diseases caused by the bacterium Salmonella typhi. The World Health Organization estimates that more than 21 million people worldwide suffer from typhoid fever every year, and about 200,000 die.

Initially, typhoid fever spread in Asia, Africa and Latin America. In Europe, the disease began to be detected in the 17th century. In Russia, the first case of typhoid fever was registered in 1837. The introduction of running water and sanitation in cities has helped to significantly reduce the spread of the disease, but there are still areas where typhoid fever remains a major public health problem.

The first treatments

In the Middle Ages, the only treatment for typhoid fever was the use of a blue stone. However, this was very risky, since the blue stone caused poisoning of the body and only intensified the disease.

In 1896, the French bacteriologist Albert Calmet created the first vaccine against typhoid fever. However, it was ineffective and caused many adverse reactions. In 1948, American researcher John Francis Robbinson developed a new vaccine that was successfully used to prevent typhoid fever.

Modern methods of combating typhoid fever

The main method of combating typhoid fever is through preventive measures such as hygiene measures and vaccination. In addition, an important means of counteracting typhoid fever is the timely detection and treatment of cases.

Current treatments for typhoid fever include the use of antibiotics such as ampicillin, cotrimoxazole and cefotaxime. However, due to the emergence of antibiotic-resistant strains of bacteria, their use requires careful monitoring by doctors.

It is also important to remember that the best way to fight typhoid fever is prevention. Try to follow the rules of personal hygiene, eat only well-processed food and drink only water that has undergone the necessary processing.

Prognosis for typhoid fever

Severity of the patient’s condition

Typhoid fever in adults is a serious disease that can affect various organs and systems. The prognosis depends on many factors, such as age, the state of the patient’s immune system, the presence of concomitant diseases and the quality of medical care. If you start treatment on time and support the patient’s body, then the prognosis can be favorable.

Duration of treatment

Treatment of typhoid fever in adults can be lengthy and usually takes several weeks to several months.