Salmonella typhoid bacteria are responsible for causing typhoid fever. In modern societies, typhoid fever is uncommon. Still, it poses a significant health risk, especially to children, in the global south.
Typhoid fever is caused by ingesting contaminated food or water or coming into close contact with an infected individual. Signs and symptoms usually include:
• An extremely high temperature
• Headache
• Gas pains
• Diarrhea and constipation
Although most persons with typhoid fever recover within a few days of beginning antibiotic therapy, a tiny percentage of those who do so may eventually die from complications. The ineffectiveness of typhoid vaccines is well-documented. Those who are at risk of contracting typhoid or who will be visiting a region where the disease is prevalent are the ones who often receive vaccinations.
Symptoms
Symptoms often show anywhere from one week to three weeks after exposure but can take longer in some cases.
Illness manifesting at an earlier age
Some symptoms include:
Low-grade fever that steadily rises over several days, reaching temperatures of up to 104.9 F. (40.5 C)
• Headache
• Tiredness and weakness
• Sore muscles
• Sweating
• A dry hacking cough
• A decrease in hunger and loss of weight
• Gas pains
• Bowel problems, either diarrhea or constipation
•Rash
• Very severe abdominal swelling
Later illness
Without treatment, you may:
- Become delirious
- Lie motionless and exhausted with your eyes half-closed in what’s known as the typhoid state
Life-threatening complications often develop at this time.
In some people, signs and symptoms may return up to two weeks after the fever has subsided.
To what extent should I see a doctor?
If you fear you may have typhoid fever, you should see a doctor right away. If you are an American citizen and need a recommendation for a doctor while abroad, you can get one by calling the U.S. Consulate in your destination country.
Consult a physician skilled in international travel medicine or infectious illnesses if you continue to experience symptoms after returning home. You might get better results from your treatment if you find a doctor who specializes in these areas.
Causes
Salmonella typhi, a hazardous pathogen, causes typhoid fever. Salmonella typhi is linked to the bacteria that cause salmonellosis, a severe intestinal infection, but they are not the same.
Route of fecal-oral transfer
Most people in wealthy countries become infected with typhoid germs while traveling. Once infected, they can spread the infection to others via the fecal-oral route.
This indicates that Salmonella typhi is transmitted through the feces and, in some cases, the urine of infected people. You can become infected if you eat food that has been touched by someone who has typhoid fever and has not been washed thoroughly after using the toilet.
Most people become infected with typhoid fever in impoverished nations by drinking polluted water. The germs can also spread through contaminated food and direct contact with an affected person.
Risk elements
Typhoid fever is a severe global problem that affects around 27 million or more individuals each year. The disease has spread to India, Southeast Asia, Africa, and South America, among other places.
Children are the most vulnerable to the disease worldwide, although having milder symptoms than adults.
• If you reside in a place where typhoid fever is uncommon, you are more likely to have it if you:
• Work in or visit locations where typhoid fever is prevalent.
• As a clinical microbiologist, you will be dealing with Salmonella typhi bacteria.
• Have close contact with someone who has typhoid fever or has recently been infected with it.
• Drink water contaminated with Salmonella typhi from sewage.
Bleeding or perforations in the intestines
The most severe effects of typhoid fever are intestinal bleeding or intestinal holes. They typically appear around the third week of illness. When this happens, a hole forms in either the small intestine or the big intestines. When intestinal contents leak into the stomach, it can lead to serious medical problems like nausea, vomiting, and even a blood infection (sepsis). This potentially fatal condition calls for emergency medical attention.
Other, less common complications
Other possible complications include:
• A disease characterized by inflammation of the cardiac muscle (myocarditis)
• Valvular and lining inflammation of the heart (endocarditis)
• Major blood vessel infection (mycotic aneurysm)
• Pneumonia
• Pancreatic inflammation (pancreatitis)
• Infections of the bladder or kidney
• A condition characterized by infection and inflammation of the membranes and cerebrospinal fluid that surround your brain and spinal cord (meningitis)
• Issues of mental health such as delirium, hallucinations, and paranoid psychosis
Prevention
People in industrialized countries are very likely to recover from typhoid fever if they receive treatment quickly. Some patients may not make it through the disease’s later stages without treatment.
You should get vaccinated against typhoid if you live in or plan to visit a high-risk location.
Vaccines
Two vaccines are available.
- One is given as a single shot at least one week before travel.
- One is given orally in four capsules, with one capsule to be taken every other day.
It’s important to note that neither vaccine has a perfect success rate. Because of diminishing efficacy over time, booster shots are necessary for both.
Due to the vaccine’s limited efficacy, travelers to high-risk locations should take the following precautions:
• Be sure to clean your hands. The most effective method of preventing the spread of disease is regular hand washing with soap and hot water. Always use the restroom and kitchen sink before eating or preparing food. When water isn’t an option, have an alcohol-based hand sanitizer on hand.
• Don’t put your health at risk by ingesting water that hasn’t been treated. Places where typhoid fever is common often have a water supply that is contaminated. It’s best to stick to drinking bottled water, canned or bottled carbonated drinks, wine, and beer. Bottled water with carbonation is preferable to water without carbonation for health reasons.
The ice should be removed from your drinks upon request. To avoid ingesting water while showering, use bottled water to brush your teeth.
• Never eat raw produce. Avoid raw fruits and vegetables that you can’t peel, like lettuce, because they may have been washed in dirty water. InTolay it safe, you might want to stay away from raw foods altogether.
• You should eat hot foods. Don’t eat anything that’s been sitting out at room temperature for a while. Only piping hot meals will do. Food from street sellers is more likely to be contaminated, so it’s advisable to avoid them even if there’s no guarantee that even the greatest restaurants provide safe food.
• Find out where the hospitals and clinics are located. Find out in advance where you can get quality medical treatment on your travels, and bring along a list of names, addresses, and phone numbers of recommended doctors.
Avoid spreading the disease.
These precautions can ensure the safety of others around you as you recover from typhoid fever:
• Use the antibiotics as prescribed. Do not stop taking your antibiotics before they are all gone; instead, follow your doctor’s instructions in the letter.
• It’s important to regularly wash your hands. This is the most crucial measure you can take to prevent the spread of the disease. Scrub your hands for at least 30 seconds in hot, soapy water before eating or visiting the restroom.
• Do not touch any food. Do not risk spreading your illness by preparing food for others until your doctor gives the all-clear. Testing must indicate that you are no longer shedding typhoid bacteria before you can return to work in the food service business or a healthcare facility.
