Typhoid in Kids: Symptoms, Causes, Treatment & Prevention Guide 

Introduction

It is a well-known fact that children are prone to infections because their immune system is still not fully developed. Typhoid is one such infection common in children that causes fever and gastric symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain etc. While the symptoms can be distressing for the child, this infection can be cured with proper management. Early diagnosis using blood tests and correct treatment can relieve the symptoms and lead to full recovery.  

This guide will cover the causes, modes of transmission, symptoms, diagnosis, and management of typhoid in children. It will also discuss about some signs which indicate that the child is recovering and share some tips to prevent typhoid in children^1,2. 

What Is Typhoid in Children?

Typhoid fever is a gastrointestinal infection that is caused by the bacteria Salmonella typhi. It can occur in children of any age, although it is commonly seen in school-aged children (from 5-12 years). Children are generally more susceptible to typhoid as they have not acquired immunity from past infections. Also, the infection in children is different from those in adults because the fever can be milder and atypical (may not have characteristic symptoms) at this age. This means that it may be difficult to effectively diagnose typhoid and initiate appropriate treatment in children^1,3.

How Do Children Get Typhoid?

Cause of Typhoid in Children

Typhoid in kids is primarily caused by the bacteria called Salmonella typhi¹.

Modes of Transmission^4,5

• Improper sanitation: Living in communities with open sewage systems or poor sanitation risks contaminating the child’s hand or food with the bacteria. 
• Contaminated water: If kids drink or use contaminated water (usually found around untreated sewage), Salmonella typhi can enter their body via their mouth. 
• Contaminated food: If kids eat food such unpeeled foods and vegetables that is washed in contaminated water, it can enter their body. 
• Contaminated utensils, pots and pans: If utensils are contaminated with the bacteria, it can reach food and eventually, the kids’ body. 
• Contaminated surfaces: If hands are not washed after touching contaminated surfaces, bacteria may get transferred to the mouth.  

Symptoms of Typhoid in Kids

The symptoms of typhoid fever in children may include: 

• Fever 
• Chills 
• Headache 
• Diarrhea 
• Constipation 
• Cough 
• Abdominal pain 
• Fatigue^4,6 

How Is Typhoid Diagnosed in Children?

Doctors use certain blood tests to diagnose typhoid in children. These include: 

• Typhi test – IgM: It is a blood test which measures IgM antibodies produced by the body against Salmonella typhi⁷. It can help support the diagnosis, especially during the early stages of infection. 
• Complete blood count (CBC): This test measures the number of white blood cells, red blood cells, platelets, amount of hemoglobin, and fraction of blood that is composed of red blood cells. In typhoid fever, the CBC will usually show a lower that normal white blood cell count⁸.
• Blood Culture: This is the most reliable test for confirming typhoid fever in which the blood sample from the patient is collected and sent to a laboratory. It detects the presence of Salmonella Typhi bacteria in the blood and also helps identify which antibiotics are likely to work best⁹. 
• Bone Marrow Culture: These are not routinely performed. The doctor may recommend this test if the diagnosis is still unclear or if blood tests do not confirm typhoid despite strong suspicion. It is one of the most accurate tests for diagnosing typhoid⁹.
• Stool culture: Stool culture is an important test to diagnose acute typhoid. However, multiple samples of stools are required in order to effectively isolate Salmonella typhi¹⁰.

Treatment of Typhoid in Children

Doctors usually prescribe certain antibiotics to treat typhoid in children. These include:¹¹ 

• Cephalosporins: These are commonly recommended medications as a first-choice treatment for children in many cases. Examples: cefixime, ceftriaxone, etc. 
• Azithromycin: This is only prescribed as a second line drug in case the cephalosporins are not working for the child. 
• Fluoroquinolones: These were used as a first line treatment. However, they are no longer routinely recommended in many areas because of increasing antibiotic resistance¹². 
• Hospital Care: Some children may require hospital treatment if they have severe typhoid fever, prolonged vomiting, dehydration, confusion, problems, or are unable to take medications orally. In the hospital, they may be given IV antibiotics, fluids, and close monitoring⁹.

Note: It is important to note that doctors will advise antibiotics depending on the antimicrobial resistance (pathogens become resistant to antibiotics) status in the area at that time. Never give antibiotics to children without a doctor’s prescription. Using the wrong antibiotic or discontinuing treatment early might cause antibiotic resistance and raise the chance of treatment failure or relapse. 

Management of Typhoid Fever in Children

There are several ways for supportive management of typhoid fever in children. Parents should keep in mind the following things while taking care of the child at home: 

• Get early diagnosis as soon as symptoms appear in the child.  
• Give medication and antibiotic treatment only after consulting and strictly as advised by the doctor. 
• Provide adequate rest  
• Maintain hydration and give lots of fluids and electrolytes if needed to correct the fluid electrolyte balance. 
• Give a soft and easily digestible diet to the infected child 
• Ensure regular follow-ups with the doctor and close monitoring of symptoms is required to prevent complications.¹³ 

Diet for Children with Typhoid

It is important that parents give their children light, nutritious, and easy-to-digest food during their recovery from typhoid. 

Foods to Eat

During recovery, choose foods that are gentle on their stomach and rich in nutrients. Give them soft, low-fiber and high energy foods. Include foods such as soft-cooked rice or khichdi, moong dal or other well-cooked lentils, well-boiled or steamed vegetables like bottle gourd, carrots, pumpkins etc. Give lots of fluids like coconut water and clear soups to keep the child hydrated. 

Foods to Avoid

To prevent stomach irritation and aid recovery it is important to avoid certain foods, such as raw or undercooked meat, unpeeled fruits, unpasteurized cheese, and street food⁹. Fried, oily, high-fiber and acidic foods should also be avoided. 

Also Read: Top Immunity Boosting Foods for Kids

Signs of Recovery from Typhoid

There are a few signs that indicate that a child is recovering from typhoid infection. These are as follows: 

• Fever is gradually getting cleared after administration of antibiotics¹¹.
• Gastrointestinal symptoms such as abdominal pain get better. 
• Fatigue and weakness gradually improve. 
• Chills resolve⁴.

Tips to Prevent Typhoid in Kids

Although typhoid fever is a serious illness, the infection can be prevented in kids with a few simple measures: 

• Administration of typhoid vaccine. There are two types of typhoid vaccines that can be used to prevent typhoid in children. One is an inactivated vaccine and another is a live, weakened vaccine¹⁴.
• Washing hands properly after using the washroom or before a meal. 
• Using a hand sanitizer whenever required. 
• Avoiding food and drinks from street vendors¹⁵.
• Using chemically treated or boiled water for drinking, cooking, brushing etc. 
• Washing and peeling vegetables and fruits properly. 
• Avoiding unpasteurized milk and milk products, raw meat, shellfish. 
• Thoroughly washing all eating and cooking utensils. 
• Washing the surface of tins and cans carefully before opening them⁵.

When to Consult a Doctor?

You should consult your doctor if, during the typhoid infection, your child has started developing new and more severe symptoms. These include severe abdominal pain, blood in stool, difficulty concentrating and decreased urine output. Also, if your child has had typhoid infection in the past, and symptoms return, you should inform your doctor as this could be indicative of a relapse⁴.

Conclusion

Typhoid fever is highly prevalent in children between the ages of 5 to 12. It is important that parents keep an eye out even for mild symptoms of typhoid as children may show subclinical symptoms. With early diagnosis, proper administration of antibiotics, and maintenance of hygiene, typhoid fever can be effectively managed in children.  

Also Read: Typhoid Fever Rash: When Rose Spots Appear & What You Should Do

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

References

1. Sinha A, Sazawal S, Kumar R, et al. Typhoid fever in children aged less than 5 years. The Lancet. 1999;354(9180):734-737. doi:10.1016/S0140-6736(98)09001-1 Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/10475185/

2. Mweu E, English M. Typhoid fever in children in Africa. Trop Med Int Health. 2008;13(4):532-540. doi:10.1111/j.1365-3156.2008.02031.x Available from: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC2660514/

3. Indian Journal of Medical Research. Accessed June 29, 2026. Available from: https://journals.lww.com/ijmr/Fulltext/2019/50050/Typhoid_fever__Control___challenges_in_India.4.aspx 

4. Typhoid fever: MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia. Accessed June 29, 2026. Available from: https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/001332.htm 

5. Content – Health Encyclopedia – URochester Medicine. Accessed June 29, 2026. Available from: https://www.urmc.rochester.edu/encyclopedia/content?ContentTypeID=85&redir=128.151.10.65/encyclopedia/content.cfm&ContentID=P01462  

6. Rafiq H, Zia R, Naeem S. TYPHOID FEVER –CONTINUES AS A MAJOR THREAT IN CHILDREN. Available from:  https://www.researchgate.net/publication/266408708_Typhoid_Fever_-Continues_As_a_Major_Threat_in_Children?__cf_chl_f_tk=8TOTsVJyg2JbKXsCQLEm61b8Ulqc9aXPvQSwKn5sJjg-1783328106-1.0.1.1-beGN_KXlEJxa7YPMwdxaAZCxDwVxVzMLVUmXYnzIEg8

7. Chernokhvostova E, Luxemburg KI, Starshinova V, Andreeva N, German G. Study on the production of IgG-, IgA- and IgM-antibodies to somatic antigens of Salmonella typhi in humans. Clin Exp Immunol. 1969;4(4):407-421. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/4182404/

8. Mallouh AA, Sa’di AR. White blood cells and bone marrow in typhoid fever. Pediatr Infect Dis J. 1987;6(6):527-529. doi:10.1097/00006454-198706000-00007Available from:  https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/3615066/

9. Bhandari J, Thada PK, Hashmi MF, DeVos E. Typhoid Fever. In: StatPearls. StatPearls Publishing; 2026. Accessed June 29, 2026.Available from: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK557513/ 

10. Wain J, Diep TS, Bay PVB, et al. Specimens and culture media for the laboratory diagnosis of typhoid fever. J Infect Dev Ctries. 2008;2(06):469-474. doi:10.3855/jidc.164 Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19745526/

11. Recommendations for management of common childhood conditions. Accessed June 29, 2026. Available from: https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9789241502825 

12. Dahiya S, Malik R, Sharma P, et al. Current antibiotic use in the treatment of enteric fever in children. Indian J Med Res. 2019;149(2):263-269. doi:10.4103/ijmr.IJMR_199_18 Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31219092/

13. Bhutta ZA. Current concepts in the diagnosis and treatment of typhoid fever. Published online July 6, 2006. doi:10.1136/bmj.333.7558.78 Available from: https://www.bmj.com/content/333/7558/78

14. CDC. Typhoid Vaccine VIS. Vaccines & Immunizations. June 4, 2026. Accessed June 29, 2026. Available from: https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/hcp/current-vis/typhoid.html 

15. CDC. Preventing Typhoid Fever and Paratyphoid Fever. Typhoid Fever and Paratyphoid Fever. August 5, 2025. Accessed June 29, 2026. Available from: https://www.cdc.gov/typhoid-fever/prevention/index.html 

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