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typhoid fever
a serious, sometimes fatal bacterial infection transmitted by water, milk or other foods that is contaminated by Salmonella typhi, which is harbored in human feces. Entering the body through the intestinal tract, the bacilli multiply in the bloodstream and later localize in the intestinal tract or gallbladder. The usual incubation period is 7 to 14 days. The first symptoms are headache, perhaps sore throat, and a fever that may reach 40.5° C (105° F). Watery, gray to green diarrhea is common, but constipation sometimes occurs instead. After 2 weeks, red spots appear on the chest and abdomen. In severe cases patients may become delirious.
In 3 to 4 weeks the symptoms begin to subside.
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