Our Health Library information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Please be advised that this information is made available to assist our patients to learn more about their health. Our providers may not see and/or treat all topics found herein.

Typhoid fever

Typhoid fever is a bacterial infection that can develop after a person eats or drinks contaminated food, milk, or water. Outbreaks of typhoid fever sometimes occur after natural disasters (such as fires, hurricanes, and earthquakes) when drinking water becomes contaminated with sewage. A vaccine is available that can prevent typhoid fever.

Symptoms of typhoid fever include fever, chills, cough, red rash on the abdomen, watery diarrhea, a slow heart rate, and low blood pressure.

Typhoid fever can be treated with antibiotics and rehydration. If it is not treated, serious complications may develop, sometimes leading to death.