Navigation
[TITLE]

[MESSAGE]

[BUTTONS]

Popular questions...

Content

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.

FAQ Frequently asked questions

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.

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 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 …

Related topics

Diseases & conditions

Dengue fever

Dengue fever is an infectious viral disease transmitted by mosquitoes in tropical and sub-tropical climates. Most people with dengue fever suffer unpleasant symptoms, such as fever, headache and vomiting, but will make a full recovery. However, repeated infections can result in a form of haemorrhagic fever.…
Diseases & conditions

Cholera

Cholera is an infectious disease that causes severe diarrhoea. It is usually acquired by consuming contaminated food or water during travel to areas where cholera is common. The greatest danger is the dehydration diarrhoea causes. Following some advice can help prevent this condition.…
Diseases & conditions

Mosquito-borne illnesses

Mosquitoes can transmit a variety of disease-causing microorganisms, including many kinds of viruses and several kinds of parasites. Often, different species of mosquitoes, found in different locations, will transmit different diseases.…
Diseases & conditions

Rabies

Rabies is a serious viral infection that is passed on through the bite of an infected animal. It causes fever, pain and extreme changes in behaviour and can even be fatal. Following some advice can help prevent this condition.…
Diseases & conditions

Traveler's diarrhea

Traveller's diarrhoea is an infection of the gastrointestinal tract that mainly affects travellers, typically due to poor sanitation. It usually causes urgent and frequent diarrhoea. This can be unpleasant and potentially lead to dehydration. It is important to keep hydrated and medications may be needed to help with symptoms.…
Diseases & conditions

Yellow fever

Yellow fever is an infectious viral disease transmitted by mosquitoes in tropical and sub-tropical climates. It can be fatal, and is a serious health concern. A vaccine is available and is routinely given to people who live in, or are intending to travel to, countries where the disease is common.…

About this article

Author: Dr Idan Ben-Barak PhD, MSc, BSc (Med)
First answered: 03 Oct 2014
Last reviewed: 19 May 2018
Rating: 4.5 out of 5
Votes: 693 (Click smiley face below to rate)
Category: Dengue fever

×

Content goes in here.