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What is typhoid fever?

Typhoid fever, otherwise known as enteric fever, is an infection caused by Salmonella typhi bacteria. It is transmitted through contaminated food or water and can cause severe diarrhea and a rash.

FAQ Frequently asked questions

What are the symptoms of typhoid fever?

In the early stages of infection, possible symptoms include diarrhea, fever, abdominal pain, and a rash of small red spots on the abdomen and chest. Other potential symptoms include bloody stools, chills, weakness and fatigue, and nosebleeds.

What causes typhoid fever?

Typhoid fever is caused by Salmonella typhi bacteria. It enters the body by ingestion of contaminated food or water and then travels to the bloodstream where it spreads throughout the body.

How is typhoid fever diagnosed?

A doctor may suspect typhoid fever based on your signs and symptoms. To confirm the diagnosis, blood, urine and stool samples are also tested for the presence of S. typhi bacteria.

How is typhoid fever treated?

Typhoid fever may initially be treated in a hospital, particularly if you have severe symptoms. Types of treatments include intravenous fluids, to maintain your hydration and electrolyte levels, and antibiotics. Once you are discharged from the hospital, …

Is typhoid fever contagious?

Typhoid fever is contagious. The Salmonella bacteria that cause typhoid fever can infect others through unsanitary contamination of water sources with infected human feces.

How is typhoid fever spread?

Typhoid fever is spread by ingesting food or water contaminated with Salmonella typhi bacteria.

Can typhoid fever be prevented?

You can reduce your risk of developing typhoid fever by being vaccinated with a typhoid vaccine before travelling to areas where the infection is common. Avoiding untreated water sources and raw foods that may have been exposed to contaminated water may also …

Will typhoid fever keep coming back?

You can still pass on typhoid fever to others even after you no longer have symptoms. It is important to finish your course of antibiotics as prescribed by your doctor and not to prepare food for other people until you have been given the all-clear.

Is typhoid fever serious?

Typhoid fever is a serious condition. The most common complication of typhoid fever is bleeding in the gastrointestinal tract, as the infection damages the lining of the intestine. Other complications that can occur as a result of the severe dehydration, or …

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About this article

Author: Dr Idan Ben-Barak PhD, MSc, BSc (Med)
First answered: 03 Oct 2014
Last reviewed: 19 May 2018
Rating: 4.7 out of 5
Votes: 1082 (Click smiley face below to rate)
Category: Dengue fever

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