Typhoid fever

Typhoid fever, also known as enteric fever, is a serious bacterial infection caused by Salmonella Typhi. It is usually contracted by consuming food or water contaminated with the feces of an infected person. Untreated typhoid fever can lead to severe and potentially fatal complications.

Causes and transmission -

Salmonella Typhi bacteria are found only in humans and are shed in the stool and urine of infected individuals.Transmission occurs through the fecal-oral route:

Contaminated water and food: Inadequate sanitation can lead to contaminated water, which can then spread bacteria to food.

Unhygienic practices: Infected food handlers who don’t wash their hands properly can contaminate food.

Chronic carriers: Some individuals who recover from typhoid can continue to carry and spread the bacteria for years.

Symptoms -

Symptoms typically begin one to three weeks after exposure and progress if untreated.
Early symptoms may include a gradual, stepwise fever that can reach 104°F (40°C), headache, weakness, loss of appetite, muscle aches, stomach pain, and sometimes constipation in adults.
Later symptoms can include a rash of small pink spots, worsening abdominal pain, diarrhea (particularly in children), and in severe cases, extreme fatigue and mental confusion.

Complications -

Without antibiotic treatment, severe complications can arise, such as intestinal perforation (a hole in the intestines) and internal bleeding. Other potential complications include inflammation of the heart muscle, pneumonia, and meningitis.

Diagnosis -

Doctors may suspect typhoid based on symptoms and travel history. A definitive diagnosis is made by identifying Salmonella Typhi bacteria through blood or stool cultures.

Treatment -

Antibiotics are the primary treatment for typhoid fever. The specific antibiotic may vary due to antibiotic resistance in certain regions. Patients should stay hydrated and rest, with severe cases requiring hospitalization.

Prevention -

Prevention methods include vaccination for individuals traveling to or living in endemic areas (though it is not fully effective). It is also crucial to drink only safe water, eat well-cooked food, avoid certain raw foods, and practice good hand hygiene.