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Typhoid Fever and Paratyphoid Fever
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About Typhoid Fever and Paratyphoid Fever


Key points
 Typhoid fever and paratyphoid fever are life-threatening illnesses.
Each of the illnesses is caused by a kind of *Salmonella* bacteria (germs).
Most people in the United States with these illnesses were infected during international travel.
You can find out if you need a typhoid fever vaccine at www.cdc.gov/travel.
 A group of people walking through an airport to a flight, carrying luggage.
 Overview Symptoms Typhoid fever and paratyphoid fever have similar symptoms, including fever. The illnesses are life-threatening and people with symptoms should get medical help immediately. Germs responsible The illnesses are caused by *Salmonella* bacteria. Typhoid fever is caused by *Salmonella*serotype Typhi.
Paratyphoid fever is caused by *Salmonella*serotype Paratyphi. Illness estimates Every year, millions of people around the world get sick from these diseases. Typhoid fever 9.2 million illnesses are estimated to occur worldwide each year
5,700 illnesses and 620 hospitalizations are estimated to occur in the United States each year. Most people are infected while traveling internationally. Paratyphoid fever 3.8 million illnesses are estimated to occur worldwide each year
CDC does not have estimates of illnesses and hospitalizations in the United States Where illness is common These illnesses are most common in parts of the world where water and food can be unsafe, and sanitation can be poor, including parts of: Asia (especially Pakistan, India, and Bangladesh)
Africa
Latin America Most people in the United States with typhoid fever or paratyphoid fever were infected while traveling to these places.
 Risk factors The chances of getting typhoid fever or paratyphoid fever in the United States are very low. The chances increase for people in the United States who: Travel to countries in Africa, Asia, or Latin America where the diseases are common
Visit rural areas of those countries
Visit family and friends in those countries
Are not vaccinated against typhoid fever Almost all people in the United States with these diseases report that they have traveled internationally. Most report that they traveled to countries in South Asia, including Pakistan, India, or Bangladesh.
 How it spreads The bacteria spread to and among people in several ways The bacteria that cause these illnesses are shed (gotten rid of) in poop. People who shed the bacteria include: People who have symptoms of typhoid fever or paratyphoid fever
People who are no longer sick but still have the bacteria in their body You can get typhoid fever or paratyphoid fever after swallowing the bacteria. The bacteria can get in your mouth in several ways, including: Through food, drinks, and water that have been contaminated by sewage
Through food that has been rinsed in contaminated water and then eaten
Through food that has been touched by a person who did not wash their hands after using the bathroom or changing a diaper You can take steps to keep safe from these diseases Keep Reading: Preventing Typhoid Fever and Paratyphoid Fever
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  April 25, 2024 Sources Print Share
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 National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases (NCEZID)


Typhoid Fever Typhoid fever and paratyphoid fever are life-threatening illnesses. Learn about how they spread, risk factors, and how you can prevent infections. View All
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