Typhoid and paratyphoid fever
Key facts
- Typhoid and paratyphoid fever are caused by two different types of Salmonella bacteria.
- It is rare to get typhoid and paratyphoid fever in Australia but is common in other countries.
- Typhoid vaccination protects against severe disease. There is no vaccine for paratyphoid.
Description
What is typhoid and paratyphoid fever?
Typhoid and paratyphoid fever are caused by bacteria called Salmonella Typhi and Salmonella Paratyphi.
In Queensland, most cases happen in people who have travelled overseas to places like Asia, the Middle East, Africa, Latin America and the Pacific Islands.
Who is at risk?
You have a higher risk of typhoid and paratyphoid if you:
- are not vaccinated against typhoid
- travel to areas where typhoid and paratyphoid fever are common
- live with someone, or consume food or drink prepared by someone who has typhoid or paratyphoid fever.
Signs and symptoms
Typhoid symptoms usually start 8 to 14 days after contact with the bacteria, but can range from 3 to 60 days. Some people may have no symptoms.
Paratyphoid symptoms usually start 1 to 10 days after contact with the bacteria and are similar to typhoid, but usually less severe.
Symptoms can start slowly and get worse over 3 to 4 days. They include:
- fever
- headaches
- feeling unwell
- stomach pain
- constipation or diarrhoea
- sweating
- loss of appetite
- pink spots on the chest and stomach
Typhoid and paratyphoid fever can cause severe illness in:
- people who are immunocompromised
- people with cardiovascular disease
- children aged under 5 years
In rare cases, typhoid can return or cause death.
See your doctor if you think you have typhoid or paratyphoid. Your doctor may ask for a faeces (poo) test to see if you have the infection.
Treatment
Typhoid and paratyphoid fever are treated with antibiotics from your doctor. Even if you don’t have symptoms, you may still need treatment to stop the spread of the bacteria.
Transmission
The bacteria are found in the faeces or urine of infected people.
You can get infected by:
- Eating or drinking contaminated food or water
- Touching something with the bacteria and then touching your mouth
- Flies may also spread the bacteria to food.
Ongoing management
If you have typhoid or paratyphoid fever, it is important to avoid spreading it to others.
You should not:
- go to school or work
- make food for others
- use swimming pools or spas until you have finished your treatment, and had no symptoms for at least 48 hours.
With correct treatment, most people get better within a few weeks and do not pass the bacteria onto others after this time. Some people with typhoid and paratyphoid fever can still have the bacteria in their faeces and urine for more than a year, and can spread the infection to others, even if they feel better.
Public Health Units will contact you to find out where you may have been infected and check if others are at risk. They may also request for more tests before you can return to work, school and childcare.
Prevention
The best way to stop the spread is with good hygiene.
- wash your hands with soap and water, for at least 20 seconds, and dry them well
- wash your hands after using the toilet, touching dirty laundry or items, and before eating or cooking food.
Vaccination
Typhoid vaccination is recommended for:
- all travellers over two years of age who are going to areas where typhoid is common, food hygiene may be poor, or where drinking water is not adequately treated
- military personnel
- laboratory workers who routinely work with Salmonella Typhi
Talk to your doctor about getting vaccinated against typhoid. However, there is currently no vaccine against paratyphoid.
Travel
If you’re travelling to areas where typhoid and paratyphoid are common:
- only drink bottled water, even for brushing your teeth
- avoid drinks with ice, or ice blocks or popsicles that might be made with dirty water
- eat food that has been fully cooked and is still hot and steaming
- avoid raw vegetables or fruit unless you can peel them yourself
- avoid eating or drinking food and drinks sold by street vendors
Visit your doctor at least 6 to 12 weeks before travelling to get any necessary vaccinations and allow time for them to work.
Other resources
Help and assistance
For further information please contact your local doctor or nearest public health unit or the 13HEALTH information line (13 43 25 84).
If you are in an emergency situation, call 000.