If you think you might have typhoid fever, check yourself for major symptoms like a gradually worsening fever, poor appetite, fatigue, diarrhea or constipation, headaches, and abdominal pain. The disease is established (endemic) in India, Southeast Asia, Africa, South America and many other areas.Worldwide, children are at greatest risk of getting the disease, although they generally have milder symptoms than adults do.If you live in a country where typhoid fever is rare, you're at increased risk if you:The most serious complications of typhoid fever — intestinal bleeding or holes (perforations) in the intestine — may develop in the third week of illness.
For that reason, some experts believe that vaccinating high-risk populations is the best way to control typhoid fever.A vaccine is recommended if you live in or you're traveling to areas where the risk of getting typhoid fever is high.Neither vaccine is 100 percent effective, and both require repeat immunizations, as vaccine effectiveness diminishes over time.Because the vaccine won't provide complete protection, follow these guidelines when traveling to high-risk areas:Ask for drinks without ice. A specialist may be able to recognize and treat your illness more quickly than can a doctor who isn't familiar with these areas.Typhoid fever is caused by virulent bacteria called Salmonella typhi. Any use of this site constitutes your agreement to the Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy linked below. Typhoid fever is rare in industrialized countries. All rights reserved. 1945 Sep 14; 102 (2646):280–282. 1937 Mar; 13 (2):175–186.5.
Two forms of salmonella vaccine are available:If vaccinated previously, immunity can be checked by a blood test. Hands in blue gloves are typing a yellow vaccine in a syringe. Typhoid fever — codes and concepts Typhoid Fever vaccination concept. Images Browse DermDiag Glossary CME Quizzes About Contact Jobs Donate ... Typhoid fever is contracted through contact with infected individuals and chronic carriers of typhoid fever (who are in good health but salmonella bacteria can be found in their faeces).
Typhoid Fever vaccination concept.
Typhoid fever can be very serious, so visit your doctor if you think you might have it.
These people, called chronic carriers, shed the bacteria in their feces and are capable of infecting others, although they no longer have signs or symptoms of the disease themselves.Typhoid fever remains a serious worldwide threat — especially in the developing world — affecting an estimated 26 million or more people each year. Vaccines against typhoid fever are available, but they're only partially effective. Your doctor will carry out tests, which may include taking blood, stool, and urine to diagnose your illness. [PMC free article] Morgan HR. Am J Pathol. Typhoid fever remains a serious worldwide threat — especially in the developing world — affecting an estimated 26 million or more people each year. Typhoid fever is a serious bacterial infection that easily spreads through contaminated water and food. You can also become infected by drinking water contaminated with the bacteria.Even after treatment with antibiotics, a small number of people who recover from typhoid fever continue to harbor the bacteria in their intestinal tracts or gallbladders, often for years. © 1998-2020 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research (MFMER).
Learn more about the symptoms and treatment of typhoid fever. This life-threatening complication requires immediate medical care.With prompt treatment, nearly all people in industrialized nations recover from typhoid fever. DermNet NZ does not provide an online consultation service. Goodpasture EW.