What is Typhoid Fever?
Typhoid fever, also called enteric fever, is a bacterial infection that causes fever and stomach problems. It spreads mainly through food and water that have been contaminated with harmful bacteria.
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What Causes Typhoid Fever?
The infection is caused by bacteria called Salmonella typhi and Salmonella paratyphi (types A and B).
What Are the Symptoms?
Typhoid symptoms usually develop gradually about 10 to 15 days after being infected and include:
- Feeling cold with shivering (chills) and tiredness
- Headache, loss of appetite, nosebleeds, back pain, and constipation
- Stomach pain and tenderness
- High fever over 38°C (100.4°F)
- Confusion or drowsiness in more severe cases
- Swollen and tender spleen
- Slow heart rate (relative bradycardia) and sometimes a cough
If not treated, serious complications like holes in the intestines or severe bleeding in the gut can happen.
How is Typhoid Fever Diagnosed?
- Blood tests are the most reliable way to confirm typhoid.
- Stool tests can also help find the bacteria.
- Rapid antibody tests may be used during outbreaks but are less accurate.
- Widal test is not reliable on its own for diagnosis.
How is Typhoid Fever Treated?
Treatment depends on the results of tests to find the best antibiotic. Common medicines include:
- Ciprofloxacin, taken twice daily for 10 to 14 days (doses differ for children).
- Chloramphenicol, given every 6 hours for 10 days, can be used especially in children.
- For severe or resistant infections, or during pregnancy, ceftriaxone injections are used.
- Amoxicillin is an alternative for pregnant women.
Always complete the full course of treatment even if you feel better.
How Can You Prevent Typhoid Fever?
- Detect and treat cases early to stop the spread.
- Dispose of human waste safely.
- Drink clean, safe water.
- Wash hands regularly with soap, especially before eating and after using the toilet.
- Ensure good hygiene when preparing and handling food.
