Symptoms of typhoid fever

Learn about the symptoms of typhoid fever and what to do if you become ill.

On this page

Symptoms of typhoid fever

Symptoms of typhoid fever include:

  • fever
  • cough
  • diarrhea
  • tiredness
  • headache
  • loss of appetite
  • constipation (difficulty passing feces)
  • rash of flat, rose-coloured spots on the abdomen or chest

It usually takes 8 to 14 days before you show symptoms. However, some people may get sick in as little as 3 days. Others may take more than 60 days to become ill. Some people develop no symptoms at all.

In severe cases, the symptoms may worsen and lead to death. These symptoms can include:

  • an enlarged liver
  • an enlarged spleen
  • bleeding in the intestines

What do you do if you become ill

Call your health care provider if you have signs of illness or think you have typhoid fever.

If you get sick while travelling or after you return to Canada, tell your health care provider:

  • your symptoms
  • where you have been travelling

If you become ill, drink plenty of water or other fluids to prevent dehydration (loss of fluids) from diarrhea.

Page details

Date modified: