What Is Typhoid Fever?

Typhoid fever is a bacterial infection caused by a bacterium called Salmonella typhi (S. Typhi). The condition can spread throughout the body and contaminate organs, including the intestinal tract and blood. Typhoid fever affects around 27 million or more people each year.

S. Typhi typically spreads through the faecal-oral route. Individuals can become infected with the bacteria through contact with infected humans. Examples of such contact include sharing or consuming contaminated food or drink prepared by an infected person.