Typhoid Fever

Typhoid fever is a serious illness caused by Salmonella typhi. It is a rare infection in the United States (about 400 cases per year) where most cases were acquired during foreign travel. Typhoid fever is still common in the developing world. 

Both ill persons and carriers shed S. Typhi in their feces (stool).  You can get typhoid fever if you eat food or drink beverages that have been handled by a person who is shedding S. Typhi and who has not adequately washed their hands before handling food. Typhoid fever can be prevented by food and water precautions augmented with vaccination where appropriate. Cases can usually be treated with antibiotics.

If you are planning to travel outside the United States, you should know about typhoid fever and what steps you can take to protect yourself. Contact Health Services or your medical provider with any questions regarding diagnosis and treatment.

Wesleyan Information

• Health Services: Contact Information
• Health Services: Travel Health Links
• Health Services: Travel Consultations
• WesWell: Travel Health Links

Other Websites

• Typhoid Fever Information

• Typhoid Fever FAQ (.pdf)

• Traveler's Health Information on Typhoid Fever

• Clean Hands Campaign

• Typhoid Fever Information
• Traveler's Health Links

• Typhoid Fever Information
• Hand washing