Symptoms normally begin 6-30 days after exposure to the bacteria. The two major symptoms of typhoid are fever and rash. Typhoid fever is particularly high, gradually increasing over several days up to 104 degrees Fahrenheit. The rash, which does not affect every patient, consists of rose-colored spots, particularly on the neck and abdomen.
Other symptoms can include weakness, abdominal pain, constipation, and headaches; rarely, symptoms might include confusion, diarrhea, and vomiting (but not normally severe).
In serious, untreated cases, the bowel can become perforated; this can lead to peritonitis (an infection of the tissue that lines the inside of the abdomen), which can be very serious indeed.5
Note: paratyphoid has similar symptoms to typhoid but is caused by Salmonella enterica. Both conditions are of similar severity.
