Typhoid Fever: Causes, Symptoms, Treatment, and Prevention

KKN Gurugram Desk | Typhoid fever is a serious bacterial infection caused by the bacterium Salmonella typhi. It spreads throughout the body, affecting multiple organs. If left untreated, it can lead to severe complications and even become fatal.

This highly contagious disease spreads through contaminated food or water, often in areas with poor sanitation. Understanding its causes, symptoms, and treatment is crucial for prevention and management.

How Typhoid Fever Spreads

The infection spreads through:

• Contaminated food or water containing traces of infected stool or urine.
• Poor hygiene practices, especially in areas with inadequate sanitation.

Who is at Risk?

High-Risk Groups:

• People living in regions with limited access to clean water and poor sanitation.
• Children, as their immune systems are still developing.
• Travelers to high-risk areas such as:
  • Indian subcontinent (India, Bangladesh, Pakistan)
  • Africa
  • South and Southeast Asia
  • South America

In developed countries like the UK, typhoid fever is rare, with most cases linked to travelers visiting these regions.

Symptoms of Typhoid Fever

Common Symptoms:

• Persistent high fever that worsens gradually.
• Headache, body aches, and extreme fatigue.
• Cough and constipation.
• Loss of appetite, nausea, abdominal pain, and diarrhea.
• In some cases, a rash may develop.

If untreated, symptoms worsen over time, increasing the risk of life-threatening complications.

Treatment for Typhoid Fever

Antibiotics:

• Mild Cases: Treated at home with a 7-14 day course of oral antibiotics.
• Severe Cases: Require hospitalization for intravenous (IV) antibiotics.

Recovery Timeline:

• With early treatment, most people recover within a few days.
• Untreated cases can lead to severe complications, and approximately 1 in 5 people may not survive.

Typhoid Fever Vaccination

Available Vaccines:

1. Injection Vaccine: A single dose offering protection.
2. Oral Vaccine: A course of three capsules taken on alternate days.

Who Should Get Vaccinated?

• Travelers to high-risk regions.
• People planning to live or work closely with locals in affected areas.

Additional Precautions While Traveling:

• Drink only bottled or boiled water.
• Avoid foods that might be contaminated, such as raw or unwashed produce.

Prevention and Precautions

To protect yourself from typhoid fever:

1. Practice good hygiene: Wash hands regularly.
2. Ensure clean water: Drink safe water and avoid ice in drinks.
3. Vaccinate before travel to high-risk regions.
4. Avoid contaminated food: Be cautious with street food and raw vegetables.