typhoid fever and paratyphoid fever are life-threatening illnesses caused by Salmonella serotype Typhi and Salmonella serotype Paratyphi, respectively.

Most people in the United States with typhoid fever or paratyphoid fever become infected while traveling abroad, most often to countries where these diseases are common. If you plan to travel outside of the United States, find out if you need the typhoid fever vaccine at www.cdc.gov/travel.

Symptoms and Treatment

What are the signs and symptoms of typhoid fever and paratyphoid fever?

Typhoid fever and paratyphoid fever have similar symptoms?. People usually have a sustained fever (one that doesn’t come and go) that can be as high as 103–104°F (39–40°C).

Other symptoms of typhoid fever and paratyphoid fever include

• Weakness
• Stomach pain
• Headache
• Diarrhea or constipation
• Cough
• Loss of appetite

Some people with typhoid fever or paratyphoid fever develop a rash of flat, rose-colored spots.

Typhoid fever and paratyphoid fever are common in many parts of the world.

Typhoid fever and paratyphoid fever are most common in parts of the world where water and food may be unsafe and sanitation is poor. These places include parts of East and Southeast Asia, Africa, the Caribbean, and Central and South America. If you’re traveling to places where typhoid and paratyphoid fever are common, you can take steps to protect yourself from infection.

Two basic actions can protect you:

1. Get vaccinated against typhoid fever. Visit your doctor or a travel clinic at least 2 weeks before traveling to discuss your options.
2. Practice safe eating and drinking habits. Carefully selecting what you eat and drink when you travel is important because typhoid fever vaccines do not work 100% of the time and there isn’t a paratyphoid fever vaccine. Safe eating and drinking will also help protect you from other illnesses, including travelers’ diarrhea, cholera, dysentery, and hepatitis A.