12/06/2026
Typhoid fever is a life-threatening bacterial infection caused by Salmonella Typhi. It is primarily spread through contaminated food or water or by unwashed hands of infected individuals. The disease causes a prolonged high fever, fatigue, stomach pain, and can lead to serious intestinal or organ complications if untreated. [1, 2, 3, 4]
Key Symptoms
Symptoms usually emerge 6 to 30 days after exposure and worsen over several days: [1, 2]
Prolonged High Fever: Often reaching 103 to 104 degrees Fahrenheit (39 to 40 degrees Celsius).
Digestive Issues: Severe abdominal pain, accompanied by either diarrhea or constipation.
General Discomfort: Intense headaches, extreme fatigue, weakness, and loss of appetite.
"Rose Spots": A rash of faint pink spots that may appear on the chest or stomach. [1, 2, 3]
Causes and Transmission
The Salmonella Typhi bacteria live only in humans.
Infection occurs via the fecal-oral route—consuming food or drinking water contaminated with the stool or urine of an infected person.
Even after a person recovers, they can become an asymptomatic "carrier," silently harboring the bacteria in their intestines or gallbladder and spreading the disease for months or years. [1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6]
Prevention
Vaccination: Vaccines are available and recommended if you are traveling to or living in areas where typhoid is common (e.g., parts of Africa, South and Southeast Asia, and Latin America). Learn more through the CDC Typhoid Fever Travel Guidance.
Safe Food and Water: Drink only bottled or boiled water, and eat food that has been cooked thoroughly and served hot.
Hygiene: Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water after using the bathroom and before handling food. [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]
Treatment
Typhoid fever requires antibiotic treatment. Early medical intervention allows patients to feel better within a few days, but it is critical to finish the entire prescribed medication to ensure the bacteria are eliminated and prevent relapse. Without treatmen
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