What to know
- Typhoid fever and paratyphoid fever have similar symptoms.
- The most common symptom is a fever.
- People with symptoms should get medical help immediately.
Signs and symptoms
- Fever is common.
- The fever can be as high as 103–104°F (39–40°C).
- The fever usually is sustained (does not come and go).
- People can have other symptoms, including:
- Weakness
- Stomach pain
- Headache
- Constipation or diarrhea
- Cough
- Loss of appetite
- Some people get a rash with flat, rose-colored spots.
Seek care for these symptoms
Do not wait
See a doctor if you have a fever and feel very ill.
If you are traveling outside the United States and need help finding healthcare, visit CDC's page for getting healthcare during travel.
If you are traveling outside the United States and need help finding healthcare, visit CDC's page for getting healthcare during travel.
Treatment is very important
You can get very ill.
Without treatment, your fever can last for weeks or months. You also can develop other health problems. These health problems can be very dangerous and might lead to death.
The danger might not end, even if your symptoms go away.
If your symptoms go away without treatment, you might still carry the bacteria that made you sick and it can spread to others or cause your illness to return.
Treatment information
Antibiotics treat typhoid fever and paratyphoid fever.