Typhoid fever

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Risk factors

By Mayo Clinic staff

Typhoid fever remains a serious threat in the developing world, where it affects more than 12 million people annually. The disease is endemic in India, Southeast Asia, Africa, South America and in many other areas.

Worldwide, children are at greatest risk of getting the disease, although they generally have milder symptoms than adults do.

If you live in a country where typhoid fever is rare, you're at increased risk if you:

  • Work in or travel to areas where typhoid fever is endemic
  • Have close contact with someone who is infected or has recently been infected with typhoid fever
  • Have an immune system weakened by medications such as corticosteroids or diseases such as HIV/AIDS
  • Drink water contaminated by sewage that contains S. typhi

DS00538

April 10, 2008

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