A major health concern that affects thousands of Indians every year is typhoid fever. This fever is known to spread through contaminated food and water, especially in areas of poor sanitation. India, with its dense population and numerous areas of varying sanitation levels, can serve as a ripe spot for such diseases. That is why educating the public regarding the risk factors, symptoms, and preventive measures becomes vital for protection against this infection.
The guide below delves deeper into knowing what typhoid fever is and understanding the causes of typhoid fever to allow you to recognise symptoms early, seek treatment, and prevent the infection.
The infection caused by the bacterium Salmonella typhi (S. Typhi) is called typhoid fever, or simply typhoid. This could be transmitted by ingesting this specific food or water contaminated with faecal matter-containing bacteria. Once these bacteria enter the body, they multiply and cause various complications, such as high fever, abdominal pain, fatigue, weakness, rashes, or even a headache.
Ever wondered what causes typhoid fever? Then, check out the most common causes of typhoid fever outlined in the table below:
| Typhoid Fever Causes | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Contaminated Ice | Drinking beverages with ice made from polluted water can cause typhoid fever. |
| Polluted Water | Drinking water contaminated with infected faecal matter is a major cause. |
| Contaminated Food | Eating food handled by infected persons without proper handwashing may lead to infection. |
| Unhygienic Produce | Consuming raw fruits or vegetables washed with dirty water can spread typhoid. |
| Contaminated Soil | Eating food grown in soil fertilised with infected faeces may cause infection. |
| Diluted Milk Products | Drinking milk products mixed with contaminated water can cause typhoid fever. |
| Poor Sanitation | Living in areas with inadequate sewage and sanitation increases the risk of infection. |
| Close Contact with Sick | Being near or caring for infected people can spread the disease. |
| Travel to High-Risk Areas | Travelling to places with poor hygiene and sanitation may expose you to typhoid-causing bacteria. |
| Limited Resources | Lack of access to clean water or proper sewage disposal contributes to the infection risk. |
| Unvaccinated Status | Not having the typhoid vaccine when travelling to endemic areas increases susceptibility. |
After seeing the reasons for typhoid fever, let’s understand the multiple symptoms of typhoid fever that could range from mild to severe. Recognising these symptoms at an early stage can be crucial for prompt treatment and better recovery. Having a health insurance policy can help cover the costs of prompt tests and treatment, ensuring you receive care without financial stress. Common Symptoms of Typhoid may include:
If left untreated, it can lead to severe and life-threatening complications such as intestinal bleeding or perforation.
The various means to diagnose typhoid fever include:
| Diagnostic Test | Description | When is it Most Useful? |
|---|---|---|
| Blood Test | Blood culture detects Salmonella typhi bacteria in the bloodstream. | Most effective during the first week of infection. |
| Antibody Test | Detects antibodies against Salmonella typhi to indicate past or current infection (e.g., Widal test). | Helps diagnose previous infection or immune response. |
| Stool Test | Identifies Salmonella typhi in stool, useful for carriers and late-stage infection. | Particularly useful in later stages or for carrier detection. |
| Urine Test | Detects bacteria in urine; less common but useful in ongoing infections. | Can provide diagnostic support when other tests are inconclusive. |
| Bone Marrow Test | The most sensitive test; detects bacteria even when blood tests are negative, especially after antibiotics. | Valuable for chronic infection or post-antibiotic cases. |
The various options to treat typhoid fever include:
| Treatment Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Antibiotic Treatment | First-line antibiotics include ciprofloxacin, azithromycin, and ceftriaxone. Alternatives or combination therapies are used if resistance occurs. |
| Fluid Replacement | Oral rehydration solutions or intravenous fluids are used to prevent or treat dehydration from fever and diarrhoea. |
| Rest | Adequate rest is recommended to support immune recovery, and physical activity should be limited during acute illness. |
| Dietary Modifications | Soft, easily digestible diet during the acute phase, with a gradual return to a balanced diet as recovery progresses. |
| Fever Management | Based on the doctor’s advice, certain over-the-counter fever reducers may be used to reduce discomfort. |
| Nutritional Support | Nutritional supplements are recommended in severe or prolonged illness to aid recovery and boost immunity. |
| Hospitalisation | Required for severe cases or complications. Includes intravenous antibiotics and intensive monitoring. |
| Surgical Intervention | It may be needed if complications like intestinal perforation occur. |
| Isolation Precautions | Patients may be isolated in a hospital to prevent infection spread, especially where sanitation is poor. |
| Follow-up & Monitoring | Regular follow-ups are needed to track recovery, monitor for relapse or chronic carrier state, and repeat testing to confirm bacterial eradication. |
Also Read: Most Common Diseases in India Its Impact on Health Insurance
With the help of the following measures, the reasons for typhoid fever can be prevented:
It is recommended to get vaccinated every 3 years in India. For adults within the age range of 45 years to 65 years, the typhoid conjugate vaccine is recommended.
Be mindful of what you eat or drink. Avoid consuming raw foods and opt for pre-packaged or well-cooked food items. Similarly, don't consume untreated water or beverages, and use bottled or purified water while drinking and cooking.
Engage in washing hands with clean soap or sanitiser before cooking or eating food, and even after using the restroom.
While preparing or consuming food, ensure to wash and clean the surfaces of utensils thoroughly.
To reduce the risk of outbreaks, especially in areas with poor sanitation, help spread awareness among communities.
In all, typhoid fever continues to be a rising health concern in India, especially due to reasons such as poor sanitation levels and contaminated food or water. To combat this, recognising the symptoms at an early stage and engaging in food and beverage safety, along with hygiene and sanitation practices, are crucial. Also, spreading public awareness among communities about the measures to control this disease can help create a big impact.
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Common Waterborne Diseases in MonsoonTyphoid fever is a bacterial infection caused by the bacterium Salmonella typhi (S. Typhi), which spreads through contaminated food or water and causes high fever, abdominal pain, fatigue, weakness, etc.
Initial recovery could take 3 to 5 days, but there are chances of fatigue persisting for several weeks.
The reasons for typhoid fever include ingesting food or water contaminated with the Salmonella typhi bacterium, commonly due to poor hygiene, contaminated water, and unsafe food handling.
Yes, you can. It is possible to be exposed to the bacteria again, especially if proper preventive measures like vaccination and hygiene practices are not followed.
