Typhoid fever is a commonly occurring bacterial infection that spreads through contaminated food and water or through close contact with the infected person. Its signs and symptoms usually include a high fever, headache, abdominal pain, and even diarrhea.
Besides that, some patients also have rashes on their chest as well as abdomen.
Causes of Typhoid fever –
Besides that, doctors often recommend a wide range of typhoid tablets and other fever pills depending on the severity of the case. Most patients recover in a week; however, immediate assistance is given to patients who are at risk of severe complications.
Hence, talk to your doctor immediately, if you think you have typhoid fever.
Signs and symptoms of Typhoid fever –
- Headache, weakness, loss of appetite and fatigue
- Muscle aches, sweating, dry cough and diarrhea or constipation
- Salmonella typhi bacteria
- Contaminated food and water
- Poor sanitation
Facts and figures –
- Typhoid fever remains a serious worldwide threat — especially in the developing world — affecting an estimated 26 million or more people each year.
- Worldwide, typhoid fever affects more than 21 million people annually.
Did you know?
- A physician in Paris first described typhoid fever in 1829.
- Typhoid fever is treated with antibiotics.
- Bacteria (Salmonella typhi) invade the gallbladder, biliary system, and the lymphatic tissue of the bowel.
- When properly treated, typhoid fever is not fatal in most cases.
Complications –
- Intestinal bleeding or holes
- Inflammation of the heart muscle (myocarditis)
- Inflammation of the lining of the heart and valves (endocarditis)
- Pneumonia
- Kidney or bladder infections
- Inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis)
Prevention –
- Drink safe drinking water.
- Improve sanitation.
- Look for adequate medical care.
- Choose the right food.
- Do not consume unpasteurized dairy products.
- Never eat food that looks, smells, or tastes odd.
Treatment options –
Commonly prescribed antibiotics include:- Ciprofloxacin
- Azithromycin
- Ceftriaxone