Overview
- Typhoid fever is a serious disease caused by the bacteria Salmonella serotype Typhi. It is transmitted by consuming food or drink which has been contaminated by the feces (poop) of an infected person.
- Typhoid can cause a high fever, weakness, headache, loss of appetite, stomach pains, and a rash of flat, rose-colored spots.
- Typhoid is deadly without treatment, killing up to one-third of people who become infected. It can be treated with antibiotics, but drug-resistant strains are a growing problem.
- Typhoid is rare in the United States, and most people from the United States who get the disease get it while traveling. This deadly infection strikes millions of people a year around the world.
- Effective vaccines are available to prevent typhoid fever.
Typhoid Fever Vaccine Schedule
If you are traveling to a country where typhoid fever is common, you should consider getting vaccinated. Visit a doctor or travel clinic to discuss your vaccination options. You may be offered an injection or a series of capsules to take by mouth. Remember that you will need to complete your vaccination(s) at least 1–2 weeks before you travel so that the vaccine has time to take effect.
Partner Resources
General information about the disease and vaccination. Also from CDC, see Typhoid Fever Vaccination.
The typhoid fever chapter from the CDC Yellow Book for travel-associated infections and diseases. CDC also has a Destinations tool to find the latest health and vaccine information by country.
Questions and answers about typhoid and vaccines from the Vaccine Education Center at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia.
The online global clinic directory is a database of International Society of Travel Medicine members and their global travel clinics. Users can search by location and by services offered.
People of any age can feel a bit anxious about getting a shot. Some may be so anxious that they avoid vaccination…even when they know it’s important. Learn more about simple ways to help any child or adult feel better and more confident when getting vaccinated.
State and local information for vaccination resources near you.
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