Symptoms & Diagnosis
Prevention
Vaccination

Typhoid fever is a serious, sometimes life-threatening disease caused by a particular species of salmonella bacteria (Salmonella typhi) and is contracted by the consumption of contaminated food or water, or by close person-to-person contact with infected family members, cooks, food servers, etc.

Symptoms and DiagnosisTop

The early symptoms of typhoid fever are flulike and consist of chills and fever, headache, weakness, loss of appetite, abdominal pain, and body aches (myalgia).

A rash, with pink spots measuring 2 to 4 mm (1/4 inch), may appear on the chest and abdomen. There is a 50% occurrence of diarrhea, which is sometimes bloody, but constipation also occurs. In fact, if your doctor considers diarrhea a prerequisite for the diagnosis of this disease, the diagnosis may be missed.

PreventionTop

Salmonella typhi bacteria are transmitted by human carriers of the organisms, and in all countries with substandard sanitation, there is risk of typhoid transmission. Fortunately, its incidence among U.S. travelers is only 1/100 of that of hepatitis A. Pay close attention to dietary safety and Be Foodwise and Be Waterwise.

VaccinationTop

Typhoid is prevalent in many countries of Africa, Asia, and Central and South America. The vaccine is only recommended for travelers to areas where there is a recognized risk of exposure to Salmonella typhi.