Paratyphoid Fever in Yemen

Level 4 - Avoid All Travel
Level 3 - Reconsider Nonessential Travel
Level 2 - Practice Enhanced Precautions
Level 1 - Practice Usual Precautions

Key points

  • Cases of paratyphoid fever are being reported in returning travelers from Yemen.
  • The bacteria that cause paratyphoid fever are spread by eating or drinking:
    • Food, drinks, and water that have been contaminated by sewage
    • Food that has been rinsed in contaminated water
    • Food that has been touched by a person who did not wash their hands after using the bathroom or changing a diaper
  • You can prevent paratyphoid fever by practicing safe eating and drinking habits.
  • Typhoid vaccination is recommended for most travelers to Yemen. Although there is no recommended vaccine for the prevention of paratyphoid fever, the oral typhoid vaccine (Ty21a) may offer some protection.
  • Seek medical care if you develop high fever, weakness, stomach pain, headache, constipation or diarrhea, cough, or loss of appetite during or after travel.

For Clinicians

  • There is no recommended vaccine for the prevention of paratyphoid fever. Typhoid vaccination (to prevent typhoid fever) is recommended for most travelers to Yemen.
  • For travelers aged ≥6 years, the oral typhoid vaccine (Ty21a) may offer some benefit: limited data suggest that it might provide some cross protection against Salmonella Paratyphi B.
  • Typhoid vaccines are not 100% effective. Counsel travelers to thoroughly wash hands key times and follow all recommended food and water precautions.

Traveler Information

Clinician Information

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What is Paratyphoid Fever?

Paratyphoid fever is a serious disease caused by Salmonella Paratyphi bacteria. The bacteria spread through contaminated food and water and person-to-person contact. 

Symptoms of paratyphoid fever include high fever, weakness, stomach pain, headache, constipation or diarrhea, cough, and loss of appetite. Some people may get a rash with flat, rose-colored spots.

If a person’s symptoms go away without treatment, they may still carry the bacteria that made them sick, which can spread to others or cause the illness to return.

Without treatment, fever can last for weeks or months. Other health problems may also develop. These health problems can be very dangerous and might lead to death.