Typhoid is an illness caused by the bacterium Salmonella typhi. Only about 400 cases occur each year in the United States (and 75 percent of these are acquired while traveling internationally); however, the disease is still common in the developing world, where it affects about 21.5 million people each year.
As mentioned, typhoid is caused by an infection with the bacterium known as
Salmonella typhi (see Cause of Typhoid Fever to learn more).
How Is Typhoid Transmitted?
You can get typhoid if you eat food or drink beverages that have been handled by a person who is shedding typhoid bacteria or if sewage contaminated with the bacteria gets into the water you use for drinking or washing food
(see Typhoid Fever Transmission).
Where Is the Risk for Typhoid the Greatest?
Typhoid is common in most parts of the world, except in industrialized regions, such as the United States, Canada, Western Europe, Australia, and Japan. Risk for the disease is greatest within the Indian subcontinent and other developing countries in Asia, Africa, the Caribbean, and Central and South America.
When a person becomes infected with the bacteria that cause typhoid, the bacteria begin to multiply and spread into the bloodstream. After 3 to 60 days, symptoms can appear. This period between becoming infected and the start of symptoms is the incubation period.
Symptoms vary among individuals. Some people will have mild symptoms, while others could experience serious symptoms, including death.
- Stomach pains
- Headache
- Rash of flat, rose-colored spots
- Weakness
- Bloody nose
- Loss of appetite
- Constipation
- Decreased heart rate
- Fever as high as 103°F to 104°F (39°C to 40°C).
How Is Typhoid Diagnosed?
- Ask a number of questions, including about your recent medical and travel history
- Perform a physical exam
- Recommend certain tests.
In addition, your doctor will rule out other conditions with similar symptoms, such as:
Typhoid treatment involves using antibiotics that can kill the bacteria. Treatment usually focuses on providing relief of symptoms as the body and antibiotics fight the illness.
If treatment is started early, the prognosis is usually good. With proper treatment, the mortality rate is generally under 1 percent.
Even after symptoms go away, approximately 3 to 5 percent of people may still carry the typhoid bacteria. These people are known as typhoid carriers. In carriers, it is possible for the illness to return or be passed on to other people. The most famous typhoid carrier was Mary Mallon, known to history as Typhoid Mary.
One way to prevent typhoid is with a vaccine. There are two types of vaccines. One vaccine contains killed Salmonella typhi bacteria. This vaccine is administered by a shot. The other contains a live but weakened strain of the Salmonella bacteria that causes typhoid. This vaccine is taken orally (by mouth).
Watching what you eat and drink when you travel is as important as being vaccinated, because the vaccines are not completely effective. Avoiding risky foods will also help protect you from other illnesses, including:
