Typhoid Fever
What is Typhoid Fever?
Typhoid fever is a life-threatening illness caused by the bacterium Salmonella Typhi. This infection spreads through contaminated food and water. It is most common in areas with poor sanitation and limited access to clean water.
The bacteria enter your body through your digestive system and multiply in your bloodstream. Without treatment, typhoid fever can cause serious complications. It affects your intestines, liver, spleen, and other organs. Early detection and treatment are critical for recovery.
Typhoid fever remains a major health concern in developing countries. More than 11 million people worldwide get sick from it each year. In the United States, most cases occur in travelers returning from endemic areas. Vaccination and safe food practices can help prevent infection.
Symptoms
- High fever that can reach 104 degrees Fahrenheit or higher
- Headache and body aches throughout your body
- Weakness and fatigue that worsen over time
- Stomach pain and cramping in your abdomen
- Loss of appetite and weight loss
- Diarrhea or constipation depending on the stage
- Rose-colored spots on your chest and abdomen
- Cough and sore throat in some cases
- Confusion or disorientation in severe cases
- Enlarged spleen and liver detected by a doctor
Symptoms typically appear 1 to 3 weeks after exposure to the bacteria. Some people carry the bacteria without showing any symptoms. These carriers can still spread the infection to others through contaminated food handling.
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Causes and risk factors
Typhoid fever spreads when you consume food or water contaminated with feces from an infected person. The bacterium Salmonella Typhi lives only in humans. People who carry the bacteria in their intestines or bloodstream can contaminate water supplies and food. Poor handwashing after using the bathroom is a common way the bacteria spreads. Flies can also transfer bacteria from feces to food.
Your risk increases if you travel to regions where typhoid is common, including parts of South Asia, Africa, and Latin America. Eating raw fruits and vegetables washed in contaminated water puts you at risk. Drinking untreated water or beverages with ice made from unsafe water increases exposure. People who work in healthcare or food service may face higher risk. Those with weakened immune systems are more vulnerable to severe infection.
How it's diagnosed
Doctors diagnose typhoid fever primarily through blood culture tests. A blood culture can detect Salmonella Typhi bacteria circulating in your bloodstream. Your white blood cell count may also provide important clues. Typhoid often causes relative leukopenia, which means your WBC stays normal or low despite bacterial infection. This pattern helps doctors tell typhoid apart from other causes of fever.
Rite Aid offers blood testing that includes culture and white blood cell count through our nationwide Quest Diagnostics network. Getting tested early helps you start treatment quickly and prevent complications. Stool and urine cultures may also be performed in some cases. Bone marrow culture is the most accurate test but is reserved for difficult cases.
Treatment options
- Antibiotics prescribed by your doctor are the primary treatment and usually cure the infection within 7 to 14 days
- Common antibiotics include ciprofloxacin, azithromycin, and ceftriaxone depending on drug resistance patterns
- Drink plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration from fever and diarrhea
- Rest completely until your fever subsides and you regain strength
- Eat small, frequent meals that are easy to digest as your appetite returns
- Avoid preparing food for others until your doctor confirms you are no longer contagious
- Hospital care may be needed for severe cases with complications like intestinal bleeding
- Follow-up stool cultures ensure the bacteria have cleared from your system
- Vaccination before travel to endemic areas provides protection against infection
Concerned about Typhoid Fever? Get tested at Rite Aid.
- Simple blood draw at your nearest lab
- Results in days, not weeks
- Share results with your doctor
Frequently asked questions
You catch typhoid fever by eating food or drinking water contaminated with Salmonella Typhi bacteria from infected human feces. The infection spreads through poor sanitation and unwashed hands. It does not spread through casual contact like hugging or sharing air space. Travelers to areas with poor sanitation face the highest risk.
Yes, blood culture tests can detect Salmonella Typhi bacteria in your bloodstream. Your white blood cell count pattern also helps doctors diagnose typhoid. Typhoid typically causes your WBC to stay normal or low despite infection. This differs from most bacterial infections that raise your white blood cell count.
Without treatment, typhoid fever typically lasts 3 to 4 weeks and can cause serious complications. About 20% of untreated cases result in death. Antibiotics usually clear the infection within 7 to 14 days. Early treatment prevents complications and speeds recovery significantly.
Serious complications include intestinal bleeding and perforation, which can be life-threatening. Your intestines can develop holes that leak contents into your abdomen. Other complications include pneumonia, inflammation of heart muscle, kidney problems, and psychiatric symptoms. About 10% to 15% of untreated patients develop these severe complications.
Typhoid fever is rare in the United States, with about 350 cases reported each year. Most cases occur in travelers returning from countries where typhoid is common. These include South Asia, Africa, the Caribbean, and Central and South America. Good sanitation and water treatment systems prevent most transmission in developed countries.
Yes, some people become chronic carriers after infection and shed bacteria without feeling sick. About 1% to 4% of people continue carrying Salmonella Typhi in their gallbladder or intestines after recovery. These carriers can spread the infection to others through contaminated food handling. Regular testing and treatment can eliminate the carrier state.
Get vaccinated at least 1 to 2 weeks before traveling to areas where typhoid is common. Drink only bottled or boiled water and avoid ice made from tap water. Eat only thoroughly cooked hot foods and avoid raw fruits and vegetables unless you peel them yourself. Wash your hands frequently with soap and water, especially before eating.
Typhoid vaccines are 50% to 80% effective at preventing infection. Two types are available in the United States. The injectable vaccine requires one dose and lasts 2 years. The oral vaccine requires 4 doses taken on alternate days and lasts 5 years. Neither vaccine provides complete protection, so safe food and water practices remain important.
Yes, symptoms can return in about 10% of people within 2 to 3 weeks after finishing antibiotics. This relapse happens when bacteria survive treatment and multiply again. Relapse symptoms are usually milder than the original illness. Your doctor will prescribe another course of antibiotics to clear the infection completely.
See a doctor immediately if you develop high fever, severe headache, and stomach pain after traveling to areas where typhoid is common. Early testing and treatment prevent serious complications. Seek emergency care if you have severe abdominal pain, bloody stools, or signs of confusion. Prompt antibiotic treatment greatly improves your outcome and prevents spreading the infection.