Typhoid Fever
Overview of Typhoid Fever
Contents
– Overview
– Symptoms
– Causes
– Diagnosis
– Treatment
– Complications
– Vaccination
Typhoid fever is a bacterial infection that can disseminate throughout the body, impacting various organs. If not treated promptly, it can lead to severe complications and may be fatal.
The disease is caused by the bacterium Salmonella typhi, which is closely related to the bacteria responsible for salmonella food poisoning.
Typhoid illness is highly infectious. An infected person can spread the bacteria through their stool or, less commonly, their urine. If another person consumes food or water contaminated with even a small amount of infected stool or urine, they can contract the bacteria and develop typhoid illness .
Who is Affected?
Typhoid illness is more common in regions with poor sanitation and limited access to clean water. Children are considered to be at higher risk globally, possibly due to their developing immune systems. However, children generally experience milder symptoms compared to adults.
In the UK, typhoid illness is rare, with approximately 300 cases reported annually, mostly among individuals who acquired the infection while visiting relatives in countries like Bangladesh, India, or Pakistan. Travelers to Asia, Africa, or South America are also at risk.
Symptoms of Typhoid Fever
Key symptoms of typhoid illness include:
– A sustained high fever that progressively increases each day
– Headache
– General body aches and pains
– Extreme fatigue
– Cough
– Constipation
As the illness advances, symptoms may include loss of appetite, nausea, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. A rash may also appear in some cases.
Without treatment, symptoms can worsen over weeks, increasing the risk of serious, potentially fatal complications.
Treatment of Typhoid Fever
Typhoid illness requires immediate treatment with antibiotics. When diagnosed early, the infection is usually mild and can often be managed at home with a 7- to 14-day course of antibiotic tablets. Severe cases typically necessitate hospitalization for antibiotic injections.
With timely antibiotic treatment, most patients begin to recover within a few days, and severe complications are rare. Deaths from typhoid fever are now extremely uncommon in the UK.
If left untreated, the fatality rate for typhoid illness can be as high as 20%, with survivors potentially experiencing complications.
Typhoid Fever Vaccination
In the UK, two vaccines are available that offer some protection against typhoid illness . These include a single injection or a series of three capsules taken on alternate days.
Vaccination is advised for anyone traveling to regions where typhoid fever is prevalent, such as:
– The Indian subcontinent
– Africa
– South and Southeast Asia
– South America
Vaccination is crucial for travelers to high-risk areas, especially as some strains of typhoid bacteria are becoming resistant to antibiotics. While neither vaccine provides complete protection, it is also important to take preventive measures such as drinking only bottled or boiled water and avoiding potentially contaminated foods.
Travel Advice
When traveling abroad, it is wise to keep a list of important contact details and emergency numbers.
