Typhoid fever how does it spread

CDC has not made estimates for Salmonella Paratyphi. Most people diagnosed in the United States have traveled to places where the diseases are most common. Typhoid fever and paratyphoid fever are most common in parts of the world where water and food may be unsafe and sanitation is poor. Travelers to South Asia, especially Pakistan, India, and Bangladesh, should take precautions to prevent infection. These diseases are spread through sewage contamination of food or water and through person-to-person contact.

People who are currently ill and people who have recovered but are still passing the bacteria in their poop stools can spread Salmonella Typhi or Salmonella Paratyphi. If you consume a food or drink contaminated with Salmonella Typhi or Salmonella Paratyphi, the bacteria can multiply and spread into the bloodstream, causing typhoid fever or paratyphoid fever.

Skip directly to site content Skip directly to page options Skip directly to A-Z link. Typhoid Fever and Paratyphoid Fever. Questions and Answers. This link will take you to a website which may not comply with the Australian regulatory requirements. Home faq How is typhoid spread? Page last updated 22 May It's caused by a bacterium called Salmonella typhi, which is related to the bacteria that cause salmonella food poisoning. Typhoid fever is highly contagious.

An infected person can pass the bacteria out of their body in their poo or, less commonly, in their pee. If someone else eats food or drinks water that's been contaminated with a small amount of infected poo or pee, they can become infected with the bacteria and develop typhoid fever.

Read more about the causes of typhoid fever. Typhoid fever is most common in parts of the world that have poor sanitation and limited access to clean water. Worldwide, children are thought to be most at risk of developing typhoid fever. This may be because their immune system the body's natural defence against infection and illness is still developing.

Typhoid fever is uncommon in the UK, with around infections confirmed each year. Most of these people became infected while visiting relatives in Bangladesh, India or Pakistan. Most infected people may return to work or school when they have recovered, if they carefully wash hands after using the toilet.

Children in daycare and health care workers must obtain the approval of the local or state health department before returning to their routine activities. Food handlers may not return to work until three consecutive negative stool cultures are confirmed.

A vaccine is available for people traveling to developing countries where significant exposure may occur. For more information about vaccination, speak to your health care provider. It is equally important to pay strict attention to food and water precautions while traveling to countries where typhoid is common. When drinking water in a developing country, you should buy it in a sealed bottle, boil it, or chemically treat it.

When eating foods, avoid raw fruits and vegetables that cannot be peeled and washed, undercooked foods, and foods from street vendors. Additionally, food handlers may not work while sick with typhoid.