Typhoid fever

What is typhoid fever?

Typhoid fever is a bacterial infection that can cause severe symptoms. Typhoid fever is common in many developing countries. These are called endemic regions.

Signs and symptoms

Signs and symptoms appear about five to 21 days after exposure to the bacteria. Some children may not become sick for as long as two months after exposure. Signs and symptoms of typhoid fever may include:

• persistent fever that rises gradually to 39°C to 40°C (102°F to 104°F)
• headache
• a sore throat
• tiredness/low energy
• stomach pain
• constipation or diarrhea
• a temporary rash with raised pink spots on the stomach or chest
• cough

If your child has returned from travel to an endemic region and is showing symptoms of typhoid fever, seek medical care right away.

Causes

The bacteria that cause typhoid fever are most often found in food or water contaminated by an infected person or a person who is not sick but sheds the bacteria in their stool (poop). Infection can also occur when one eats or drinks contaminated food or water.

Risk factors

Your child may be at higher risk of infection when traveling to an endemic region. Having close contact with an infected person increases chances of infection. Children with weak immune systems are also at a greater risk of getting sick.

What a health-care provider can do to help your child

Health-care providers may suspect typhoid fever in children who have symptoms and have returned from an endemic region or had contact with an individual with typhoid fever. The diagnosis may be confirmed with blood and stool tests. Typhoid fever is treated with antibiotics, which may be oral or intravenous. Some children need admission to hospital for management of their symptoms, including dehydration and pain.

When treated, the symptoms usually subside several days after the start of antibiotics. Left untreated, typhoid fever can lead to severe illness, even death.

Prevention

Prevention is the best way to protect your child against typhoid fever.

Here are some simple steps to reduce your child's chances of having typhoid fever.

Only drink bottled water

Contaminated drinking water is a common source of infection. Stick to bottled water or canned carbonated drinks.

Keep hands clean

Teach your child to wash hands frequently with warm, soapy water especially before eating food, after using the toilet. Alcohol-based hand sanitizer can be used when water is not available.

Only eat fruits and vegetables you can peel

Raw fruit or vegetables may have been washed in contaminated water. Only eat produce that can be peeled, like bananas.

Vaccination

There is a typhoid vaccine that can be used in children two years and up prior to travel to reduce the risk of infection. Speak with your child’s health-care provider about vaccinating your child before you travel.

What you can do to help your child

Your child may take two to three weeks to fully recover after the fever resolves.

Offer your child water or other fluids to keep hydrated.

When to seek medical assistance

See your child's regular health-care provider or go to the nearest emergency room right away if: 

• you suspect your child has typhoid fever
• your child is sick and they have just returned from a typhoid endemic country or had contact with someone with typhoid fever