Typhoid fever is a disease caused by the bacteria Salmonella Typhi. Paratyphoid fever is a disease caused by the bacteria Salmonella Paratyphi. These diseases cause a similar illness. Paratyphoid infections tend to be less severe and less common than typhoid. These diseases are rare in Australia and are often grouped together and called ‘enteric fever’.
In Australia, most typhoid and paratyphoid infections are acquired overseas by individuals eating contaminated food or water in developing countries while visiting friends and relatives or travelling. These infections are different to infection with Salmonella which usually causes gastroenteritis.
For further information please see the typhoid fact sheet or contact your local public health unit on 1300 066 055.
