Typhoid and paratyphoid fever are caused by the bacteria Salmonella Typhi and Salmonella Paratyphi.
Salmonella Typhi and Salmonella Paratyphi can be found in the blood, faeces (poo) and urine of infected people, depending on the stage of the illness.
These bacteria can affect the whole body, not just the digestive tract.
They are most often seen in people who have travelled to developing countries where there is:
Typhoid and paratyphoid fever is caused caused by ingesting 2 different species of salmonella bacteria through the mouth:
This can be by ingesting water or food contaminated by sewage or food prepared by people who are carriers of the bacterium.
You can also get typhoid and paratyphoid fever if you come into contact with microscopic amounts of faeces and urine from a person infected with the bacterium
The start of symptoms for typhoid fever is gradual and may begin with increasing tiredness between 3 to 30 days (though in most cases it is 8 to 14 days) after you have ingested the bacteria.
Symptoms can include:
Paratyphoid fever has similar symptoms, but the illness tends to be milder, with symptoms usually beginning 1 to 10 days after ingesting bacteria.
There are many complications that can be caused by untreated typhoid fever. Complications typically arise in the third week of illness. About 1 in 10 people develop complications.
The 2 most common complications of untreated typhoid fever are:
A typhoid fever vaccine is available and can provide some protection for travellers to high-risk areas overseas. There is no vaccine for paratyphoid fever.
Typhoid vaccination is recommended for all travellers aged 2 years and over going to areas where typhoid is present. It's also recommended for military personnel and some laboratory workers.
See your doctor or travel medicine specialist at least 2 months prior to departure to see if any vaccinations or medications are recommended.
