About Typhoid Fever

• What Is Typhoid Fever?

This eMedTV article answers the question, "What is typhoid fever?" and provides detailed information about this life-threatening illness caused by the bacterium Salmonella typhi -- including its causes, symptoms, and how it's spread.

• Cause of Typhoid Fever

Typhoid fever is caused by an infection with the bacterium Salmonella typhi. This portion of the eMedTV archives provides information about this cause of typhoid fever, how it is transmitted, and people who are most at risk from it.

• Typhoid Fever Bacteria

Salmonella typhi is the bacteria responsible for the life-threatening illness known as typhoid fever. This eMedTV Web page takes an in-depth look at typhoid fever bacteria, including transmission methods, symptoms, treatment, and prevalence.

• Typhoid Fever Transmission

One way typhoid fever transmission occurs is by eating food or drinking beverages handled by a person shedding Salmonella typhi bacteria. This eMedTV site explains typhoid fever transmission and identifies areas where the illness is common.

• Symptoms of Typhoid Fever

This eMedTV article provides detailed information about the symptoms of typhoid fever, including what can happen if the condition goes untreated. Possible symptoms include high fever, headache, and a rash of flat, rose-colored spots.

• Typhoid Fever Diagnosis

This eMedTV page explains how a doctor reaches a typhoid fever diagnosis. Among other things, the doctor will ask about the person's recent medical and travel history, and rule out other possible causes of the symptoms (for example, viral hepatitis).

• Typhoid Treatment

When typhoid treatment is started early, the prognosis is generally good. This portion of the eMedTV archives discusses treatment for typhoid fever in detail and provides information about the chances of experiencing a relapse.

• Typhoid Fever Prevention

There are two types of vaccine used in typhoid fever prevention. This eMedTV article takes an in-depth look at both types and also offers advice for avoiding sources of infection while traveling.

• Typhoid Immunization

Typhoid immunization should be considered by people traveling to a country where the illness is common. This eMedTV Web page illustrates the role of immunization in preventing infection and explains ways to help the vaccine's effectiveness.

• Mortality Rate of Typhoid Fever

If treatment is not received, the mortality rate of typhoid fever is between 12 and 30 percent. This eMedTV Web page examines factors that affect the mortality rate and highlights how treatment can reduce the rate to less than 1 percent.