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Info on Typhoid Fever Relapses and Carriers
Even with treatment, however, approximately 20 percent of people have another episode (relapse) of typhoid fever, although the relapse is usually not as severe as the first infection. Certain factors that can increase the risk for a relapse include:
- Age over 50
- Presence of gallstones
- Female gender.
Can I Still Carry the Bacteria After Treatment?
About 3 to 5 percent of people may still carry the typhoid fever bacteria, even after receiving treatment. These people are known as typhoid fever carriers. The most famous typhoid fever carrier was Mary Mallon, better known as Typhoid Mary.In carriers, it is possible for the illness to return or to be passed on to other people. In fact, if you work at a job where you handle food or care for small children, you may be barred legally from returning to work until a doctor has determined that you no longer carry the typhoid bacteria.
Written by/reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD