Risk factors
Typhoid fever is a serious worldwide threat and affects millions of people each year. Places with the highest number of cases or with regular outbreaks are in Africa and South Asia. But cases are recorded worldwide, often due to travelers to and from these areas.
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 established, especially if you travel to visit family or friends. People visiting loved ones may have higher social pressure to drink or eat foods that present a higher risk.
Work as a clinical microbiologist handling Salmonella enterica serotype typhi bacteria.
Have close contact with someone who is infected or has recently been infected with typhoid fever.
