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Typhoid fever (typhoid) is an infection caused by Salmonella typhi bacteria.
In developing countries, about 1 out of 10 people with typhoid will die.
In Canada, or other countries with more advanced medical care, less than 1 out of 100 people who get typhoid die.
About 1 out of 20 people who get typhoid can have a long-term (chronic) infection. If you have a chronic infection, you can carry the bacteria for months or years and spread it to others, even if you don’t look or feel sick.
People who travel to countries with high risk of typhoid, such as South Asia, are at the highest risk of getting typhoid, especially:
People with certain health conditions, such as having no spleen, have a higher risk of serious illness.
Typhoid spreads when infected stool or sometimes urine gets onto your hands or into food and water, and then into your mouth.
Common foods that may spread typhoid include:
Symptoms of typhoid fever vary from mild to severe. Symptoms include:
There are vaccines that protect against typhoid. Talk to your healthcare provider to find out if a typhoid vaccine is recommended for you. They can also tell you if you can get the vaccine for free.
To find out if you need a typhoid vaccine for travel and when to get the vaccine:
It is best to contact a private travel clinic, your doctor, or your pharmacist at least 6 weeks before you travel.
