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Typhoid Fever
Urgent
Typhoid fever is a systemic bacterial infection caused by Salmonella Typhi. It can cause persistent fever, headache, weakness, and abdominal symptoms, including constipation or diarrhoea. The related illness paratyphoid fever is caused by Salmonella Paratyphi. Their symptoms can resemble other infections, so laboratory testing is important.
Body System
Blood & Immune System
When to Seek Medical Attention
Typhoid fever requires medical assessment and appropriate treatment because untreated infection can cause serious complications. Seek prompt care for persistent fever, worsening weakness, dehydration, abdominal symptoms, or inability to maintain fluids. Emergency assessment is needed for severe abdominal pain, gastrointestinal bleeding, confusion, fainting, severe dehydration, difficulty breathing, or rapidly worsening illness.
Symptoms
4
Causes
1
Treatments
5
Diet
3
Overview
Typhoid fever is a systemic bacterial infection caused by Salmonella Typhi. It can cause persistent fever, headache, weakness, and abdominal symptoms, including constipation or diarrhoea. The related illness paratyphoid fever is caused by Salmonella Paratyphi. Their symptoms can resemble other infections, so laboratory testing is important.
Symptoms 4
Diarrhea
Fatigue
Fever
Lower Abdominal Pain
Causes 1
Typhoid fever occurs when Salmonella Typhi is swallowed in contaminated food or water. The bacteria are shed in the stools of infected people, including some people who no longer have symptoms. Sewage contamination and food handling without adequate handwashing can spread infection.
Infection
Risk Factors
Risk is higher where typhoid is common and safe drinking water, sanitation, or food hygiene are inadequate. Residence or travel in these settings, including parts of South Asia, can increase exposure. Consuming contaminated food or water increases risk; absence of appropriate vaccination leaves a person without vaccine-derived protection.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis is based on a patient's medical history,
symptoms, physical examination and, when necessary,
laboratory or imaging investigations.
Assessment considers symptoms and travel or exposure history, but symptoms alone cannot reliably distinguish typhoid from other infections. Blood culture is the main diagnostic test, and more than one culture may be needed. Other specimen cultures may contribute. Serological tests alone can produce misleading results and should not replace appropriate clinical and culture-based assessment.
Prevention
Key Prevention Tips
Prevention combines safe drinking water, sanitation, handwashing after using the toilet and before preparing food or eating, and careful food preparation
Vaccination can reduce typhoid risk where recommended, but protection is incomplete and does not replace food and water precautions
Available typhoid vaccines do not protect against paratyphoid fever
Prevention Guidance
Prevention combines safe drinking water, sanitation, handwashing after using the toilet and before preparing food or eating, and careful food preparation. Vaccination can reduce typhoid risk where recommended, but protection is incomplete and does not replace food and water precautions. Available typhoid vaccines do not protect against paratyphoid fever.
Reminder: Prevention recommendations should be tailored to your personal health status and risk factors.
Treatment & Management 5
Detailed treatment guidance is currently being prepared.
Detailed treatment guidance is currently being prepared.
Detailed treatment guidance is currently being prepared.
Detailed treatment guidance is currently being prepared.
Detailed treatment guidance is currently being prepared.
Medical Note: The treatment information provided is intended for educational purposes only.
Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before starting,
stopping, or changing any treatment.
Diet & Nutrition 3
Recommended Foods
Boiled Rice
Easy to digest.
Banana
Provides energy and nutrients.
Soup
Helps maintain hydration.
Foods to Avoid
Street Food
May increase infection risk.
Spicy Foods
May irritate digestion.
Medical Nutrition Note: Diet recommendations are intended for general educational purposes and should be tailored to individual health needs by a qualified healthcare professional.
Frequently Asked Questions 5
Typhoid fever is a bacterial infection caused by Salmonella Typhi.
High fever, abdominal pain and weakness are common.
It spreads through contaminated food and water.
Blood tests and cultures help confirm diagnosis.
Vaccination and good hygiene help prevent typhoid.
Helpful Tip: These answers provide general medical information.
Consult your healthcare provider for advice tailored to your condition.