Typhoid fever is caused by Salmonella typhi bacteria. Typhoid fever is rare in developed countries. It is still a serious health threat in the developing world, especially for children.
Contaminated food and water or close contact with an infected person cause typhoid fever. Signs and symptoms usually include:
- High fever
- Headache
- Stomach pain
- Constipation or diarrhea
Most people who have typhoid fever feel better a few days after they start antibiotic treatment, but a small number of them may die of complications. Vaccines against typhoid fever are only partially effective. Vaccines usually are reserved for those who may be exposed to the disease or who are traveling to areas where typhoid fever is common.
Symptoms
Signs and symptoms are likely to develop gradually — often appearing one to three weeks after exposure to the disease.
Signs and symptoms include:
- Fever that starts low and increases daily, possibly reaching as high as 104.9 F (40.5 C)
- Headache
- Weakness and fatigue
- Muscle aches
- Sweating
- Dry cough
- Loss of appetite and weight loss
- Stomach pain
- Diarrhea or constipation
- Rash
- Extremely swollen stomach
Later illness Without treatment, you may:
- Become delirious
- Lie motionless and exhausted with your eyes half-closed in what is known as the typhoid state
- Life-threatening complications often develop at this time.
In some people, signs and symptoms may return up to two weeks after the fever has subsided.
When to see a doctor
See a doctor immediately if you think you might have typhoid fever.
