What Are the Types of Typhoid Fever? By Melody Hughes, an eHow Contributing Writer Typhoid fever is a condition caused by the salmonella typhi bacteria, which is rare in developed countries but still prevalent in places where contaminated water and food is consumed regularly. Typhoid fever is treatable if caught early. Travelers should get a typhoid vaccination if they are traveling to an underdeveloped part of the world. 1. Time Frame Typhoid fever usually occurs gradually over a few weeks after exposure to the bacteria. In some cases, children may suddenly become sick. The condition may last for weeks or even a month or longer without treatment. 2. First-Stage Typhoid Fever The beginning stage of typhoid fever is characterized by high fever, fatigue, weakness, headache, sore throat, diarrhea, constipation, stomach pain and a skin rash on the chest and abdominal area. According to the Mayo Clinic, adults are most likely to experience constipation, while children usually experience diarrhea. 3. Second Stage Second-stage typhoid fever is characterized by weight loss, high fever, severe diarrhea and severe constipation. Also, the abdominal region may appear severely distended. 4. Typhoid State When typhoid fever continues untreated for more than two or three weeks, the affected individual may be delirious or unable to stand and move, and the eyes may be partially open during this time. At this point, fatal complications may emerge. 5. Treatment Untreated typhoid fever may start to subside after approximately four weeks. The condition usually begins to improve after the fever goes away. Antibiotics such as ciprofloxacin and rocephin may be used to treat typhoid fever. Tips & Warnings References Mayo Clinic: Typhoid Fever MedlinePlus: Drug-Resistant Typhoid Increasing in the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Typhoid Fever