Overview

Causes

Typhoid fever is caused by an infection with a specific bacterium. The bacteria are passed from:

  • Sewage contamination of food or water
  • Contact with an infected person, such as through sharing food or drinks or poor hand hygiene
    • Digestive System
    Small intestines
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    Risk Factors

    Typhoid fever is common in places with poor sanitation. The risk of getting sick is highest in parts of India, Africa, and Asia.

    Things that raise the risk are:

    • Having close contact with an infected person
    • Not having the typhoid vaccine
    • Eating or drinking items tainted by sewage
    • Not washing hands carefully
    • Having low stomach acid or taking acid reducers

    SymptomsandDiagnosis

    Symptoms

    Mild typhoid fever symptoms may be:

    • Low fever
    • Headache
    • Constipation—more common in adults
    • Diarrhea—more common in children
    • A rose-colored rash
    • A dry cough
    • A coating on the tongue
    • Lack of hunger

    Severe symptoms may be:

    • High fever and chills—may last a long time
    • Belly pain
    • Changes in mental state

    Diagnosis

    The doctor will ask about symptoms and health history. You will also be asked about your travel history. A physical exam will be done.

    Tests will be done to look for the bacteria. This can be done with:

  • Blood tests

    Urine tests

    Stool tests

    A bone marrow biopsy

    • Treatments

    Treatment

    Typhoid is treated with antibiotics. Other treatments may be:

    • Fluids by mouth or IV to treat dehydration
    • Medicines to lower fever or ease pain

    Prevention

    The risk of typhoid fever may be lowered by:

    • Getting the typhoid vaccine
    • Cooking food well
    • Washing hands often

    People who travel to high-risk areas should filter, disinfect, or boil water used for drinking or cooking.

    This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.

    Edits to original content made by Denver Health.