Typhoid fever is a highly contagious bacterial infection that, without prompt treatment, can spread throughout the internal organs & be fatal. It is caused by salmonella typhi, which is related to the Salmonella food poisoning bacteria. It is most common in places with restricted access to clean water.
Commonly affected locations
The Indian subcontinent, Africa, South Asia, Southeast Asia, South America
Symptoms*
The symptoms of typhoid fever take a week or two to develop & mainly include:
a fever of 38C or above (high fever is common with typhoid, up to 40C)
headache
aches & pains
constipation
malaise (feeling generally unwell)
cough
As the disease progresses, it can lead to loss of appetite, diarrhoea, nausea, tummy ache, & sometimes a skin rash.
With the correct antibiotics, typhoid fever symptoms usually begin to clear up within a few days.
