A food handler working at Purdue University in West Lafayette, Ind., has tested positive for typhoid fever, state health officials announced Tuesday. Those who ate at the university’s Boiler Bistro, John Purdue Room, or Lavazza coffee shop between Jan. 23 and 25 may be at risk of infection. Symptoms of typhoid fever include high fever, weakness, stomach pain, headache, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or loss of appetite. “Symptoms usually begin within 8-14 days after exposure, but could potentially appear for up to 30 days,” the Indiana State Department of Health warned in a press release. Typhoid fever is caused by Salmonella Typhi bacteria. Food or drink handled by infected persons has the potential to contaminate others. Those who suspect they may be infected with typhoid are advised to seek medical attention. Typhoid fever is known to sicken approximately 400 Americans a year, the majority of whom traveled abroad at the time of infection.
