What is typhoid fever?

Typhoid fever also known as enteric fever is a bacterial infection that can be life-threatening. it is caused by a gram-negative bacterium, salmonella typhi. Salmonella paratyphi A causes a similar but less severe diseases

People are particularly at risk for the sickness in underdeveloped countries where there is poor sanitation and little access to hygienic food and water. Mostly in Africa, the Caribbean, Central and South America, and parts of Asia regions. In developed countries, typhoid fever is less prevalent. In wealthy nations, returning travelers who can infect others or contaminated food account for the majority of cases of typhoid fever.

What causes typhoid fever?

Typhoid fever is caused by the bacterium Salmonella typhi (S. typhi). Bacteria spreads via contaminated food, drink, or water. Salmonella typhi infected people carry the bacteria in their intestines and blood.

Salmonella typhi is excreted from the body in feces . You can get typhoid fever if you consume food or beverages prepared by someone who is infected with the bacteria and does not properly wash their hands. Sewage containing Salmonella typhi may contaminate local water supplies in less developed countries.

People who have previously had typhoid fever may still carry Salmonella typhi bacteria in some cases. These people are disease carriers. Even if they are asymptomatic, they may spread the infection.

What are the symptoms of typhoid fever?

Symptoms start 1-3 weeks after ingestion of the bacteria, but there is variations in symptoms presentation,Signs and symptoms include:

• Fever
• Headache
• Weakness and fatigue
• Diarrhea or constipation
• Sweating
• Dry cough
• Stomach pain
• Muscle aches
• Extremely swollen stomach

if left untreated by the third weeks the person goes into ‘typhoid state’.which is a state of prolonged apathy,toxemia,delirium, disorentation and/or coma. There is risk of intestinal perforation and hemorrhage at this time if not immediately not treated.

How is typhoid fever treated?

• Antibiotics are used to treat typhoid fever,These drugs kill the microorganisms responsible for the infection. Antibiotics of many sorts are used to treat typhoid fever.These drugs kill the microorganisms responsible for the infection. Antibiotics of many sorts are used to treat typhoid fever.
• adequate hydration and nutrion is also important for speedy recovery
• Antipyretics is also given to help relieve pain

in cases of intestinal perforation surgery is done to correct it

Can typhoid fever be prevented?

• Receiving a typhoid fever vaccination. Currently, two vaccines are available to help prevent the spread of typhoid fever. Talk with your doctor about getting vaccinated.
• Avoiding food that is raw or undercooked
• Washing your hands before eating
• Thorougly washing of fruits and vegetables with salt/vinegar before consuming
• Drinking boiled or bottled water

The majority of typhoid fever patients recover within a few days of beginning antibiotic therapy, although a small percentage may die from complications. Typhoid fever vaccines are very rarely effective. Those who may be exposed to the disease or who are traveling to regions where typhoid fever is frequent are typically the only ones who receive vaccinations. Even when the symptoms go away, people may still be carrying typhoid bacteria, meaning they can spread it to others through their faeces.