Symptoms of a Typhoid Fever Bacteria Infection
When a person becomes infected with
typhoid fever bacteria, the bacteria begin to multiply and spread into the bloodstream. After 3 to 60 days,
typhoid fever symptoms can occur. This period between becoming infected and the start of symptoms is called the
typhoid fever incubation period.
Symptoms of typhoid fever vary among individuals. Some will have mild symptoms, while others could have very serious symptoms, including death.
Common symptoms of typhoid fever include:
- Fever as high as 103°F to 104°F (39°C to 40°C).
- Stomach pains
- Headache
- Weakness
- Bloody nose
- Loss of appetite
- Decreased heart rate
- Rash of flat, rose-colored spots.
Treatment for Typhoid Fever Bacteria
Treatment typically involves antibiotics that can kill typhoid fever bacteria. Treatment of typhoid fever focuses on providing relief of symptoms as the body and antibiotics fight the illness.
When appropriate treatment is started early, the prognosis is good. With proper treatment, the
mortality rate of typhoid fever should be under 1 percent and few complications should occur.
Who Carries Typhoid Fever Bacteria?
Approximately 3 to 5 percent of people may still carry the typhoid fever bacteria, even if symptoms go away with treatment. These people are known as typhoid fever carriers. The most famous typhoid fever carrier was Mary Mallon, better known as Typhoid Mary. In carriers, it is possible for the illness to return or to be passed on to other people.
Is There a Vaccine for Typhoid Fever Bacteria?
One way to prevent typhoid fever is with the
typhoid vaccine. There are two types of typhoid vaccines. One contains killed typhoid fever bacteria. The other contains a live but weakened strain of the typhoid fever bacteria.
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