Typhoid how does it spread

It typically causes a high fever and abdominal pain. Typhoid fever can be spread by consuming food or water contaminated with the stool or urine of an infected person. People have flu-like symptoms, sometimes followed by delirium, cough, exhaustion, occasionally rash, and diarrhea.

Samples of blood, stool, other body fluids, or tissues are sent to a laboratory to grow culture the bacteria. To prevent infection, people traveling to areas where typhoid fever is common should be vaccinated and, when there, should avoid certain foods and not drink unbottled water.

See also Overview of Bacteria Overview of Bacteria Bacteria are microscopic, single-celled organisms. They are among the earliest known life forms on earth. There are thousands of different kinds of bacteria, and they live in every conceivable People are usually infected when they eat contaminated food, such Typhoid fever is one type of infection caused by Salmonella bacteria. There are many types of Salmonella , but most typhoid fever is caused by Salmonella Typhi. Typhoid fever is common in developing countries especially in southern Asia where sanitary conditions are poor.

Most cases in the United States are acquired while traveling in countries where the infection is common. Mary Mallon, so-called Typhoid Mary, was a cook who spread typhoid fever to many people during the early 20th century.

People who are infected excrete the bacteria in stool and, rarely, in urine. A few infected people develop chronic infection of the gallbladder or urinary tract. They continue to excrete the bacteria in stool or urine, even though they no longer have any symptoms. Such people are called carriers. Thus, they do not know they can spread the infection. During the early 20th century, one such woman, a cook named Mary Mallon, spread typhoid fever to many people and became known as Typhoid Mary.

Salmonella Typhi bacteria may contaminate food or drink when hands are inadequately washed after defecation or urination. Water supplies may be contaminated when sewage is inadequately treated.

Flies may spread the bacteria directly from stool to food. Occasionally, typhoid fever is spread by direct contact among children during play or between adults during anal-oral sex. Like all Salmonella bacteria, many of these bacteria must be consumed for infection to develop, unless the immune system is impaired or people have a deficiency of stomach acid.

Stomach acid tends to destroy Salmonella bacteria. The bacteria spread from the digestive tract to the bloodstream causing bacteremia Bacteremia Bacteremia is the presence of bacteria in the bloodstream. Bacteremia may result from ordinary activities such as vigorous toothbrushing , dental or medical procedures, or from infections Lungs causing pneumonia Overview of Pneumonia Pneumonia is an infection of the small air sacs of the lungs alveoli and the tissues around them.

Pneumonia is one of the most common causes of death worldwide. Often, pneumonia is the final Joints causing infectious arthritis Infectious Arthritis Infectious arthritis is infection in the fluid and tissues of a joint usually caused by bacteria but occasionally by viruses or fungi.

Bacteria, viruses, or fungi may spread through the bloodstream Kidneys causing glomerulonephritis Glomerulonephritis Glomerulonephritis is a disorder of glomeruli clusters of microscopic blood vessels in the kidneys with small pores through which blood is filtered. It is characterized by body tissue swelling Heart valves causing endocarditis Infective Endocarditis Infective endocarditis is an infection of the lining of the heart endocardium and usually also of the heart valves.

Infective endocarditis occurs when bacteria enter the bloodstream and travel Typhoid and paratyphoid. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Typhoid Fever and Paratyphoid Fever. Questions and Answers. This link will take you to a website which may not comply with the Australian regulatory requirements.

Avoid drinking untreated water. Contaminated drinking water is a particular problem in areas where typhoid fever is endemic. For that reason, drink only bottled water or canned or bottled carbonated beverages, wine and beer. Carbonated bottled water is safer than non-carbonated bottled water.

Ask for drinks without ice. Use bottled water to brush your teeth, and try not to swallow water in the shower. Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products.

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This content does not have an Arabic version. Overview Typhoid fever is caused by Salmonella typhi bacteria. Request an Appointment at Mayo Clinic. Share on: Facebook Twitter. Show references Jameson JL, et al. In: Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine. McGraw Hill; Accessed Oct. Ryan ET. Epidemiology, microbiology, clinical manifestations, and diagnosis of typhoid fever.

Typhoid fever. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. World Health Organization.