TYPHOID FEVER - Causes and prevention during the rainy season.

Have you been feeling unwell with a persistent fever, stomach pain, and fatigue? You might be dealing with typhoid fever—a potentially serious infection that can affect anyone. 

So, how does this illness spread?? 

Typhoid fever is a bacterial infection caused by Salmonella typhi, a type of bacteria that infects the intestines and bloodstream. It spreads through contaminated food, water, or contact with an infected person’s feces. If untreated, typhoid fever can cause severe health complications, but with proper treatment, it’s usually manageable. The primary way typhoid fever spreads is through contaminated food or water. In areas where water sources aren’t properly treated, the bacteria can be present in drinking water. Eating contaminated food: Poor hygiene practices during food preparation or handling can lead to contamination. Close contact with an infected person: The bacteria can spread through direct contact with an infected person's feces or urine. Poor sanitation and hygiene, such as not washing hands after using the bathroom, play a big role in transmission.

Symptoms of Typhoid Fever

Typhoid fever can develop slowly, with symptoms appearing 1-3 weeks after exposure to the bacteria. Common symptoms include:

High fever (often up to 104°F or 40°C) 

Abdominal pain (especially in the lower part of the belly) 

Weakness and fatigue 

Headache 

Loss of appetite 

Diarrhea or constipation 

Rash: Small, flat rose-colored spots may appear on the abdomen and chest

Dry cough or sore throat (in some cases)

The fever tends to get worse in the 2nd or 3rd week of infection.

Without treatment, typhoid can lead to serious complications like intestinal bleeding, perforation, or even sepsis (a life-threatening body-wide infection).

What Are the Risks and Complications?

If typhoid fever isn’t treated, it can lead to serious complications, such as: 

1. Intestinal Perforation: The bacteria can cause the intestines to rupture, leading to infection in the abdomen, which requires immediate surgery.

2. Sepsis: If the infection spreads to the bloodstream, it can result in sepsis, a severe and potentially fatal condition.

3. Chronic Carriers: Some people who recover from typhoid fever may continue to carry the bacteria in their gallbladder and spread it to others, even if they don’t show symptoms.

How Is Typhoid Diagnosed?

Your doctor will likely diagnose typhoid fever based on your symptoms,

travel history, and exposure risk

To confirm the diagnosis, laboratory tests are essential, including:

Blood cultures: These test for the presence of Salmonella typhi in your bloodstream

Stool and urine cultures: These can help detect the bacteria in your digestive system.

Widal test is a blood test that can help diagnose Typhoid fever. 

How it works

• The test measures the level of antibodies in a patient's blood that are produced in response to the Salmonella typhi bacteria that causes typhoid fever. The patient's blood is mixed with an antiserum that contains antibodies against Salmonella typhi. If the patient has antibodies, they will react with the antiserum and cause red blood cells to clump together. 
• When it's used
• The Widal test is still used in many developing countries where typhoid fever is common, but it's not often used in the United States and European Countries. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends not relying too much on the Widal test because the results can be influenced by many factors. 
• When it's most reliable
The Widal test is most reliable when performed 7 to 10 days after hospitalization. 
When it's not reliable
A single Widal test is not very helpful for diagnosing typhoid fever in adolescents and adults in endemic areas. The test can also produce false-positive and false-negative results.

How Is Typhoid Treated?

Typhoid fever is treated with antibiotics to kill the bacteria.

Common antibiotics used to treat typhoid include:

Ciprofloxacin or Azithromycin for adults

Ceftriaxone for severe cases or when oral antibiotics are ineffective.

In some regions, antibiotic resistance to common medications has become a problem, so your doctor may need to adjust your treatment based on the type of bacteria involved. 

It’s also important to stay hydrated and manage symptoms (like fever) while taking the antibiotics.

How to Prevent Typhoid Fever

Prevention is key to avoiding typhoid fever, especially if you live in or are traveling to areas with inadequate sanitation. 

Here’s what you can do:

1. Get Vaccinated 💉 

A typhoid vaccine is available for people at risk.

The vaccine doesn’t guarantee full protection but can significantly reduce the risk of infection.

2. Practice Good Hygiene 🧼 

Washing your hands with soap and water, especially after using the bathroom and before eating, can significantly reduce the risk of infection. 

Use hand sanitizers when soap and water aren’t available.

3. Drink Safe Water 💧  

Avoid drinking tap water. Opt for bottled water or boil water before drinking.

Be cautious with ice in drinks, as it may be made from contaminated water

4. Eat Safe Food 🍲

Avoid eating food from street vendors or unclean establishments. Make sure food is properly cooked and served hot

Be cautious with raw fruits and vegetables.

5. Avoid Contact with Infected People  

If you know someone who has typhoid fever, avoid close contact until they’ve completed their treatment.

It’s also essential to ensure that they follow hygiene practices to prevent the spread of bacteria.

Typhoid fever is a serious illness, but it’s preventable and treatable with the right precautions and timely medical intervention.

If you develop symptoms of typhoid or have been exposed to contaminated food or water, seek medical attention immediately.

Remember: maintaining good hygiene and being cautious with food and water can go a long way in keeping you safe! 🌍🍴💧

For fixing an appointment with a doctor at Hande Hospital, kindly call 9841011390 or visit www.handehospital.org