Infection may also cause the spleen to enlarge, the white blood cell count to drop, and small rose-coloured spots to develop on the trunk. Diarrhea occurs infrequently. Vomiting may occur late in the first week following infection, but is usually not severe. Diagnosis of typhoid fever is made by laboratory tests to detect the presence of Salmonella typhi from a blood or stool sample. Typhoid fever can be effectively treated using antibiotics.
Relapses can occur following treatment.
Like other Salmonella species, Salmonella typhi is transmitted by contaminated food and water. The bacteria is found in many developing countries of Latin America, Africa, and Asia. Travellers to countries with inadequate water and sewage treatment are at risk of acquiring typhoid and should take precautions to avoid consumption of potentially contaminated food and water. Drinking only boiled water or carbonated beverages and eating only cooked food, lowers the risk of infection. In Canada, as in other developed countries with modern water and sewage treatment facilities and pasteurized milk, typhoid fever has now become rare.