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Have you ever mistaken the common cold for something else? It is easy to do so when some of the symptoms are similar to other diseases. Typhoid fever has some overlaps with the common cold as well, such as a high fever. But with an estimated 11 to 21 million cases of typhoid fever and 200,000 deaths worldwide each year, it is not a minor concern. People in slums and underdeveloped countries suffer from this disease. It is crucial to be able to understand typhoid fever and to distinguish it from other diseases and flues.
What is typhoid fever?
Typhoid fever is a life-threatening illness that is primarily caused by Salmonella Typhi bacteria. Paratyphoid fever, though similar to typhoid fever, is known to be less severe in its symptoms. Paratyphoid fever is caused by Salmonella Paratyphi bacteria. Typhoid and paratyphoid fever are most common in areas with poor sanitation. This includes parts of Asia (especially India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh), Africa, the Caribbean, Central, and South America, and the Middle East. Both typhoid and paratyphoid diseases are rare in the United States, Canada, Western Europe, Australia, and Japan.
How do you contract typhoid fever?
Typhoid fever is most commonly contracted by food, drink, or water that is contaminated with Salmonella Typhi bacteria. The bacteria is carried by white blood cells in the liver, spleen, bone marrow, gallbladder, biliary system, lymphatic tissue of the bowel, and the intestinal tract where they multiply. Due to this, Salmonella typhi is often present in feces. Individuals may also get a fever if they ingest food or beverages that have been made by someone who did not sanitize their hands properly after visiting the bathroom. Another source of getting typhoid fever in less developed countries is through sewage contamination in which the bacteria can contaminate local water supplies. In some cases, individuals who have previously had typhoid fever can still be carriers of the bacteria even when they appear to have no symptoms.
What are the Symptoms?
Some symptoms of typhoid fever include, but are not limited to:
High fever (usually seen to be around 102°F to 104°F)
Abdominal pain
Severe diarrhea
Rash (small red spots on the abdomen and chest)
Bloody stools
Delirium (seeing or hearing things that are not there or hallucinations)
Difficulty paying attention
Nosebleeds
Severe fatigue
Slow, sluggish, weak feeling
Loss of appetite
Headaches and Body aches
Diagnosis: Testing for typhoid fever
A diagnosis of typhoid fever can usually be confirmed by analyzing samples of blood, urine, or stools under a microscope designed specifically for Salmonella typhi bacteria. Additionally, doctors may test a sample of bone marrow as it is a more accurate way of diagnosing the fever. However, getting the actual bone marrow sample is both time-consuming and painful which is why it is only used if other tests are found to be inconclusive.
Prevention:
Vaccinations: Two primary forms of typhoid vacancies are available.
Pill vaccine: A total of 4 pills must be consumed. (One pill every other day)
Shot vaccine: Individuals who are 2 years old or above can get the shot vaccine
However note that neither vaccinations offer complete protection against infection (Having vaccinations can only avoid infection by 50%-80%) and the medication can lose effectiveness over time which is why it is important to be alert and mindful about the foods and beverages that you consume, especially when traveling. Here are some general tips to consider:
Only eat foods that are cooked and served hot
Avoid food that has been sitting on a buffet
Eat raw fruits and vegetables only if you have washed them in clean water or peeled them
Only drink beverages from factory-sealed containers
Avoid ice
Only drink pasteurized milk
It is essential to sanitize (60% alcohol) or thoroughly wash your hands often with soap and water for 20 seconds, especially after using the bathroom and before consuming any food or drink.
Treatment:
The main cure for typhoid fever is antibiotics that kill off the Salmonella Typhi bacteria. With proper antibiotic therapy, improvement is usually seen within one to two days and recovery within seven to ten days.
Below are some of the medications and antibodies commonly prescribed (please note to not consume these medications without consulting a healthcare professional):
Azithromycin (Zithromax)
Ceftriaxone: Commonly prescribed to children suffering from typhoid fever
Ciprofloxacin (Cipro): For individuals displaying mild symptoms [Note: Bacteria strains found in South Africa have shown significant resistance to this antibiotic]
Ampicillin
Chloramphenicol
Cotrimoxazole (Bactrim®)
Along with antibiotics, it is important to have sufficient fluids to prevent dehydration. If the patient is severely dehydrated, a doctor might prescribe IV fluids. However, in severe cases, if the intestine is damaged, surgery might be required.
Though typhoid can be life threatening and have fatal consequences, it is one of the diseases which can be treated if identified at its early stages. With all the recent advancements and improvements in science and medication, the fatality rate has declined. Overall, one should take appropriate health and safety precautions to avoid contracting the disease altogether.
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