Typhoid Fever in the United States, 1985-1994

Abstract

TYPHOID FEVER has been rare in the United States since improvements in water and sewage treatment occurred early in this century, but it remains a common illness in many developing countries.¹ When typhoid fever occurs in the United States it is most often among individuals exposed to Salmonella serotype Typhi (formerly Salmonella typhi) during international travel. The risk to travelers of acquiring typhoid fever while visiting different areas of the world is likely to change over time, but there is no systematic international surveillance for the disease. Information on risk of typhoid fever to travelers is often used by physicians in recommending preventive measures.