What Causes Typhoid Fever? Symptoms, Causes & Risks in India

Typhoid fever is one of those illnesses that you’ve probably heard of, but maybe not fully understood. In India, it’s still a big public health challenge. Families in both rural and urban areas deal with it every year, often during monsoon season when water supply gets easily contaminated. Many people ask the same question online: what causes typhoid fever? And also, what typhoid causes in the body. The answers aren’t too complicated, but they are important, especially if you want to protect yourself or your loved ones.

This guide breaks it down for you — from the bacteria that trigger typhoid, to how it spreads, what symptoms to watch out for, and how to avoid it. And since health articles can sometimes be way too “textbookish”, we’re keeping this one practical, human, and easy to read.

Understanding Typhoid Fever

What is Typhoid Fever?

Typhoid fever is a bacterial infection that affects millions worldwide, and India is among the countries where it’s quite common. The culprit is a bacterium called Salmonella enterica serotype Typhi (often just shortened to Salmonella Typhi). It targets the intestines first but can spread through the blood to the whole body if not treated.

People often confuse typhoid with malaria or dengue because the symptoms look somewhat similar at first glance — high fever, weakness, body pain. But unlike those, typhoid usually comes from contaminated food and drinking water rather than mosquitos.

Why is it Common in India?

The simple answer is sanitation. In many areas, sewage mixes with the water supply. Add to that the popularity of street food (which, honestly, we all love!), and you get the perfect breeding ground for Salmonella Typhi. Monsoon makes it worse because waterlogging spreads contamination faster.

Causes of Typhoid Fever Explained

What Causes Typhoid Fever?

The primary cause is infection with Salmonella Typhi. Once this bacteria enters the human body, usually through food or water, it multiplies inside the intestines. From there, it can slip into the bloodstream, leading to fever, abdominal pain, and other issues.

What is the Reason for Typhoid?

When people ask this, they’re really asking about how it starts. The reason is simple: poor hygiene and unsafe water. Typhoid spreads through the fecal-oral route — meaning, tiny particles of infected feces (yes, sounds gross but true) end up in the water you drink or the food you eat.

How Do Most People Get Typhoid?

In India, most cases come from:

• Drinking unboiled tap or tank water.

• Eating food washed or cooked with contaminated water.

• Consuming street food that’s handled with unclean hands.

• Living in crowded areas with poor sanitation.

It’s not about avoiding outside food forever, but about being mindful. For example, pani puri from a trusted shop is probably fine — but pani puri from a roadside stall with dirty water drums? That’s a straight ticket to typhoid!

What are the Causes of Typhoid Disease?

If we break it down further, the causes are both biological and environmental.

• Biological cause: Salmonella Typhi bacteria.

• Environmental causes: contaminated water supply, sewage leaks, lack of waste management.

• Lifestyle causes: eating unhygienic food, not washing hands, poor toilet habits.

The bottom line is: typhoid is preventable. But because many people underestimate these “small” hygiene factors, the bacteria still finds a way to spread, year after year.

What Typhoid Causes in the Body

Symptoms of Typhoid Fever

Typhoid usually begins slowly, unlike diseases like dengue where fever spikes quickly. In the first week, you may just feel tired, with mild fever and stomach uneasiness. As the bacteria spreads, the fever rises step by step — what doctors call a “step-ladder” fever.

Common signs include:

• High, persistent fever (often above 39°C or 102°F)

• Weakness and fatigue

• Headache

• Stomach pain and bloating

• Constipation or diarrhea (sometimes both, depending on the patient)

• Loss of appetite

In kids, the symptoms can be more confusing — they may just appear very cranky or unusually sleepy. That’s why many parents mistake it for “seasonal fever” and delay proper checkup.

Complications of Untreated Typhoid

When typhoid is not treated in time, it can cause very serious problems. The bacteria weakens the intestines, and in severe cases, it can even perforate (tear) the intestine walls. This leads to internal bleeding and peritonitis, which is life-threatening.

Other possible complications are:

• Sepsis (bacteria spreading to blood and organs)

• Pneumonia-like chest infections

• Neurological issues (delirium, confusion, seizures in rare cases)

So, ignoring typhoid or trying to “manage at home” without antibiotics is risky. It’s not just a simple fever.

Difference Between Typhoid and Other Fevers

In India, people often confuse typhoid with malaria, dengue, or even viral fevers. But there are small differences:

• Dengue: sudden high fever, joint pain, rashes.

• Malaria: fever with chills that comes and goes in cycles.

• Typhoid: gradual rise in fever, abdominal pain, loss of appetite.

Of course, only proper testing confirms it. Self-diagnosis is not safe.

Diagnosis and Treatment of Typhoid

How Typhoid is Diagnosed

Doctors usually recommend:

• Blood culture test: detects Salmonella Typhi directly.

• Widal test: checks for antibodies (still used widely in India but not 100% reliable).

• Stool/urine test: to confirm bacteria shedding.

In many local clinics, the Widal test is the most common because it’s cheaper, though doctors in big cities may prefer blood cultures for accuracy.

Can Typhoid Be Cured Completely?

Yes. With the right antibiotics, typhoid fever can be fully cured. Medications like ciprofloxacin, azithromycin, ceftriaxone are often prescribed, but exact treatment depends on age, severity, and resistance pattern.

One important thing: many people stop antibiotics as soon as they “feel better”. That’s a big mistake. If you don’t complete the full course, the bacteria may remain in your body and cause relapse — or even worse, antibiotic resistance.

Home Remedies vs Medical Treatment

People in India often try home remedies first — khichdi, coconut water, herbal kadha. While these can help with comfort and hydration, they don’t kill the bacteria. Antibiotics are the only real cure.

That said, supportive care at home is very important:

• Drink lots of fluids (ORS, coconut water, soups)

• Rest properly (typhoid drains your energy)

• Light, easily digestible diet (more on this in the next section)

Never rely just on “gharelu nuskhe” when it comes to typhoid. They can support healing, but not replace actual treatment.

Diet and Lifestyle During Typhoid

What Should We Not Eat in Typhoid?

Food plays a huge role in recovery. When your intestines are already weak, eating heavy, spicy or oily meals makes things worse. Avoid:

• Fried snacks (samosa, pakora, chips)

• Raw salads or unwashed fruits

• Street food (especially pani puri, chat, or golgappa during monsoon)

• Spicy curries or masala-rich gravies

These foods can irritate the gut and slow down healing.

What to Eat During Typhoid

Stick to a light, easily digestible diet. Some great options:

• Khichdi made with dal and rice

• Steamed or boiled vegetables

• Dal soup, thin dals, and clear broths

• Boiled potatoes or mashed banana

• Fresh fruit juices (but avoid citrus if stomach is very upset)

Hydration Tips

Dehydration is a real risk in typhoid, especially when diarrhea is present. To stay hydrated:

• Drink ORS (oral rehydration solution) frequently

• Tender coconut water is great for electrolytes

• Buttermilk and light lemon water (if tolerated)

Basically, keep fluids simple, clean and frequent.

Prevention of Typhoid in India

How to Prevent Typhoid Fever

Prevention is always easier than treatment. The most effective steps are:

• Always drink boiled or filtered water.

• Wash fruits and vegetables properly.

• Practice regular handwashing with soap.

• Avoid uncovered street food, especially during rains.

Vaccination for Typhoid

India has two main types of typhoid vaccines:

• Vi polysaccharide vaccine (injection): suitable for adults and children over 2 years.

• Ty21a oral vaccine: available in some places, given in capsule form.

While not 100% protective, vaccines reduce the risk significantly, especially in high-risk areas.

Everyday Hygiene Tips

Simple habits like washing hands before meals, carrying clean drinking water, and avoiding food from unhygienic stalls make a big difference. Parents should also teach kids early about hand hygiene.

Typhoid in India: Public Health Perspective

Why Typhoid is Still Common in India

The sad truth is, typhoid is preventable but still widespread because of sanitation issues. In many towns, sewage mixes with water pipelines. Add crowded living conditions and lack of awareness, and the bacteria spreads easily.

Government and Community Efforts

Campaigns like Swachh Bharat Abhiyan have improved cleanliness, but more needs to be done. Local governments are focusing on safe drinking water projects, vaccination drives, and public awareness campaigns. But at the end of the day, individuals also have to take responsibility for hygiene practices.

FAQs on Typhoid Fever

• What is the reason for typhoid?
  Caused by Salmonella Typhi bacteria, mainly due to contaminated food and water.

• Can typhoid be cured completely?
  Yes, with the right antibiotics and complete treatment course.

• How do most people get typhoid?
  Through unsafe water, unhygienic street food, and poor sanitation.

• What should we not eat in typhoid?
  Avoid oily, spicy food, raw vegetables, and street food.

• Is typhoid contagious from person to person?
  Yes, if hygiene is poor. A carrier can spread bacteria through food or water.

• How long does typhoid fever last?
  With treatment, about 1–2 weeks. Without treatment, it can stretch longer and cause complications.

• Can typhoid come back after treatment?
  Yes, relapse can happen if antibiotics are stopped early or if reinfection occurs.

Conclusion

Typhoid fever might sound like an old disease, but in India, it’s still very real. The good news? It’s 100% preventable with clean water, better hygiene, and vaccination. If you or your family ever experience a long-lasting fever with stomach issues, don’t delay medical help. Typhoid can be cured completely, but only when treated properly.

Health isn’t something to gamble with. Share this article with friends and family — because sometimes, knowing what causes typhoid fever and how to prevent it is literally life-saving.