Typhoid Fever – Causes, Symptoms, Treatment & Prevention
Typhoid fever is a disease that is affecting millions worldwide. But, it can be easily managed and prevented with the right hygiene practices. Click here to learn more.
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Last updated on 3rd Jul, 2025
Typhoid fever is a serious, life-threatening bacterial infection caused by Salmonella typhi. It mainly spreads through contaminated food and water, making it a major health scare across the world. This disease is especially prevalent in areas with poor sanitation. Historically, this fever has plagued societies for centuries, with significant outbreaks recorded in the 19th century. However, the advancement of medical science has not completely eradicated it. It still affects millions all over the world every year. With its widespread impact and potential complications, understanding typhoid fever is crucial for prevention, early diagnosis, and effective treatment.
Causes and Transmission
Typhoid fever mainly infects the intestinal tract and the bloodstream. The causative agent, i.e. Salmonella typhi bacteria, transmits into the human body through –
Contaminated food and water
Poor sanitation and hygiene practices
Consumption of raw and undercooked food items
Contact with infected individuals
Symptoms of Typhoid Fever
The earliest symptoms of typhoid fever include:
High temperature, which is persistent even after fever reducers are given
Headaches
Aches and pains in the body
Fatigue
Cough
Constipation or bloody stools
Vomiting blood
On the other hand, the advanced symptoms of this condition are –
Loss of appetite
Severe stomach aches caused by the gastrointestinal infection
Diarrhoea
Rash or rose spots (in some cases)
If still left untreated, symptoms will continue to worsen, leading to fatal complications.
Diagnosis
Usually, the diagnosis of typhoid fever starts with a thorough physical exam of the patient and a detailed discussion of the symptoms. Additionally, the doctors ask about the individual's recent travel history and food habits. Based on the initial diagnosis, the doctor then asks for a few laboratory tests to confirm the condition. These tests are –
Blood culture to diagnose acute infections
Urine and stool culture
ELISA blood test to check for antibodies
Fluorescent antibody study
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Treatment Options
Over the years, many treatment options have developed to fight Salmonella typhi infections, one of the primary ones being antibiotic therapy. When the symptoms are mild and if typhoid is in the early stages, doctors will prescribe the recommended dosage of antibiotics to kill the bacteria. Antibiotics such as fluoroquinolones, cephalosporins, macrolides, and carbapenems are prescribed to kill the bacteria. The symptoms are likely to improve within 2 to 3 weeks.
In addition to antibiotics, supportive treatments play a crucial role in recovery. Patients are advised to stay hydrated with fluids and electrolyte solutions to prevent dehydration caused by prolonged fever and diarrhoea.
Complications Associated With Typhoid Fever
If left untreated, typhoid fever can lead to severe complications, some of which may be life-threatening. Some possible complications are:
Internal bleeding
Typhoid intestinal perforation – a hole in the intestine
Pneumonia – lung infection
Anaemia – iron deficiency
Apart from these possible complications, the long-term complications of this condition include –
Encephalopathy – brain disorders
Hepatitis – inflamed liver
Cholecystitis – inflamed gall bladder
Myocarditis – inflamed heart muscles
End-stage renal disease – kidney failure
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Prevention Strategies
The prevention strategies for typhoid fever include vaccination and following the right hygiene practices. Vaccinations are one of the most effective ways to lower the risk of this disease. The doctor will prescribe –
Typhoid conjugate vaccine (TCV) is recommended for all age groups, including infants
Vi capsular polysaccharide vaccine is recommended for 2+ years. The single-dose vaccine needs to be administered every 2 to 3 years
Ty21a vaccine is for 6+ years and is given as a 3 to 4-dose schedule. It is not recommended for people with weak immunity
In addition to the vaccination, some of the hygiene practices to follow are –
Washing the hands thoroughly using soap and water
Always drink purified water
Avoiding raw foods and salads, especially in crowded areas
Practicing proper sanitation
Epidemiology and Outbreaks
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), typhoid continues to be a fatal disease affecting around 10 million people annually. The fever commonly occurs in South and South East Asia, South America, and sub-Saharan Africa. Western countries have fewer cases, and most people get infected when travelling to Asian and African countries.
Recent outbreaks highlight the persistent threat of typhoid fever, especially in densely populated urban areas. Here are some statistics to show the real picture –
300% increase in typhoid cases in the northern Brazilian city of Belem in 2024
Typhoid outbreak amongst rural workers in Tairawhiti, New Zealand, in 2024
High incidence of typhoid outbreaks in sub-Saharan Africa and Pakistan in 2024
In August 2023, typhoid cases in India increased, while in May 2023, the number of cases increased in the southern city of Chennai
In May 2023, typhoid cases increased by 77% in the Philippines
Public Health Measures
Public health measures play a crucial role in controlling and preventing typhoid fever. The government, along with NGOs, runs many campaigns to educate people about diseases and the need to get vaccinated.
In India, the government-run nationwide campaigns to promote the TCV vaccine
Educational drives are run in schools, at medical community centres and in rural areas to spread awareness about prevention methods
The World Health Organization (WHO) collaborates with governments to create educational material that is informative and culturally sensitive
Besides all the measures, public education plays a key role in managing typhoid fever. These awareness campaigns mostly focus on –
Discussing the infection
How it spreads
Hygiene standards to follow
Medical treatment options
Research and Future Directions
It’s important to continue research to help prevent and cure this bacterial infection. As part of this continued progress, scientists and researchers worldwide are looking for more effective treatments against drug-resistant strains. Also, research is underway for cost-effective water purification technologies to improve access to cleaner drinking water.
In terms of the future prospects, the focus is currently on –
Developing the next generation antibiotics to combat resistant to typhoid stains and improve efficacy
Exploring phage-based treatments enabling precise treatment
Investigating therapies such as monoclonal antibodies to improve immunity against the bacteria
Researching Thermostable vaccines for low-income and low-resource areas
Conclusion
Typhoid fever remains a global health scare, especially in regions with poor sanitation and hygiene standards. Also, the lack of access to clean drinking water is compounding the spread of this disease. While vaccines, hygiene practices, and antibiotics are doing their bit to provide a cure, education and public awareness can eradicate this problem. To sum up, individuals should focus on preventive measures rather than cures to prevent infection. But, if they do, they should contact the doctor and start immediate treatment to get better and not let things get worse.
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Dr. Liritha C
General Physician/ Internal Medicine Specialist
5 Years • MBBS, MD (GENERAL MEDICINE)
Hyderabad
Apollo 24|7 Clinic, Hyderabad
Dr. Lakshmi Sanjitha Kakani
General Physician/ Internal Medicine Specialist
6 Years • MBBS, MD (General Medicine)
Visakhapatnam
Apollo 24|7 Clinic - Andhra Pradesh, Visakhapatnam
Dr. Jawwad Mohammed Kaleem
General Practitioner
4 Years • MBBS
Hyderabad
Apollo 24|7 Clinic, Hyderabad
Dr Divya Lekha Gunta
General Practitioner
10 Years • MBBS, MD (Pathology)
Visakhapatnam
Apollo 24|7 Clinic - Andhra Pradesh, Visakhapatnam
Dr. J T Hema Pratima
General Practitioner
9 Years • MBBS
Chennai
Apollo 24|7 Clinic - Tamilnadu, Chennai
(250+ Patients)
