Paratyphoid fever

Paratyphoid fever is caused by the Salmonella typhi bacteria. Paratyphoid fever is spread by drinking water or eating food contaminated by sewage or food prepared by people who are carriers of the bacteria. You can also get paratyphoid fever if you come into contact with tiny amounts of feces and urine from an ill person. This may occur directly by close personal contact, or indirectly by touching contaminated surfaces. Symptoms are very similar to typhoid fever and may include high fever, loss of appetite, vomiting, constipation and diarrhea. Antibiotic therapy shortens the infection time and reduces the risk for serious complications. Typhoid vaccine is recommended for travelers to areas where there is an increased risk of exposure to typhoid and paratyphoid fever.