Typhoid fever, also known simply as
typhoid, is a bacterial infection due to
Salmonella typhi that causes symptoms. Symptoms may vary from mild to severe and usually begin six to thirty days after exposure. Often there is a gradual onset of a high
fever over several days. Weakness,
abdominal pain,
constipation, and
headaches also commonly occur.
Diarrhea is uncommon and vomiting is not usually severe. Some people develop a skin rash with
rose colored spots. In severe cases there may be confusion. Without treatment symptoms may last weeks or months. Other people may carry the bacterium without being affected; however, they are still able to spread the disease to others. Typhoid fever is a type of
enteric fever along with
paratyphoid fever.