TYPHOID FEVER
What is Typhoid fever-
- Typhoid is a bacterial infection caused by Salmonella Typhi.
- This bacteria is spread by Oral route introduced by infected hands, water, food.
- It is also excreted in faeces of an infected person, hence sanitation is very important to control transmission of this disease.
- This infection is easily transmitted through children and can occur in epidemics(in large numbers)
- Children are more often affected than adults
RISK FACTORS
- Poor hygiene- eating without washing hands.This infection rate could hint at the sanitation status of a country. Hence countries with poor sanitation facility have a higher infection rate.
- Seafood or vegetables – exposed to infected material spread the disease
- Ice-creams- This bacteria can survive in ice
SYMPTOMS
- Prolonged periods of high-grade fever
- Lethargy, uneasiness
- Tummy pain
- Diarrhoea or constipation
- Headache
- Occasionally rashes
- Blood in stool- whether fresh bleeding or black colour stools( old blood).
INVESTIGATIONS
- When this bacteria affects children, they produce antibodies.
- These antibodies are detected in blood tests. Though these are not very sensitive, combined with clinical features they can be diagnosed
- The faeces and urine can also hint towards a serious infection. These tests are occasionally used
- The bacteria in blood can be grown and the right medications for this infection can be identified
TREATMENT
- Antibiotics is the answer. If a child is visibly sick, intravenous antibiotics are started and then switched to oral antibiotics. Infections are generally treated from 7 to 14 days.
- This infection can involve other systems also like the kidney or digestive system. So if seriously sick, the child is admitted and given supportive treatment.
PREVENTION
- Regular hand washing – especially after using the toilet and before feeding
- Vaccination – Can be given as an injection regularly( every 2 years) or tablets that are swallowed. Both these do not give 100% protection, hence precautions need to be maintained