Paratyphoid fever, also known simply as
paratyphoid, is a bacterial infection caused by one of the three
types of
Salmonella enterica. Symptoms usually begin six to thirty days after exposure and are the same as those of
typhoid fever. Often there is a gradual onset of a high
fever over several days. Weakness, loss of appetite, and
headaches also commonly occur. Some people develop a skin rash with
rose colored spots. Without treatment symptoms may last weeks or months. Other people may carry the bacteria without being affected; however, are still able to spread the disease to others. Both typhoid and paratyphoid are of similar severity. Paratyphoid fever is a type of
enteric fever along with typhoid fever.