Typhoid fever is a serious infection caused by the bacteria Salmonella typhi. It is usually contracted by being in close contact or consuming food or water contaminated with this germ.
The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that between 11 Y 20 millions of people develop typhoid fever each year, mostly in developing countries. And between 128,000 Y 160, 000 die from this infection.
Salmonella typhi bacteria are monogamous: they can only live with one human being at a time. Once the bacteria enter the body, it spreads into the bloodstream, where it multiplies at an incredible rate. It is installed especially in the blood or the intestine.
That is why the symptoms appear quickly, and are:
- Persistent fever
- Fatigue
- Headache
- Nausea
- Abdominal pain
- Both constipation and diarrhea
- Sometimes skin rashes develop
Typhoid fever is very contagious. An infected person can pass the bacteria through feces and even, although rare, urine, explains the UK’s National Health System.
Although it seems really unpleasant, for example if a person who carries Salmonella typhi does not properly wash their hands after going to the bathroom and then handles food, microscopic particles of feces or urine can pass to the food or water.
It can be diagnosed through a blood test and is highly treatable and curable with antibiotics. However, if not treated, the bacteria can affect the functioning of different organs, generating a life or death situation.
If a child contracts the infection, the Nemours Foundation recommends the same treatment and drink plenty of fluids as the diarrhea it can cause can lead to dehydration.
Typhoid fever has a high incidence in developing countries, where water sanitation systems may be scarce or obsolete. Also urbanization and climate change are playing in favor of the spread of this bacterium.
Another factor that the WHO indicates as highly dangerous for the spread of Salmonella typhi is resistance to antibiotics, that occurs when the drug is over-prescribed and people do not complete courses of treatment. In these situations, the drugs become “used” to the invading germ and no longer eliminate it adequately.
The poorest areas of the planet, where access to drinking water is scarce or null, is where it is most prevalent. register cases of typhoid fever. People living in developed countries can contract this infection especially during travel.
Prevention
Actions to prevent Typhoid fever must come from both institutions and individuals. Better sanitation and eliminating the health determinants that cause poverty is the responsibility of national and local governments.
Hygiene throughout the food production and handling chain and vaccination are measures effective in preventing disease. The WHO reports that:
For several years, two vaccines have been used to prevent typhoid fever: u na injectable vaccine with purified antigen for children 2 to 5 years, and na oral vaccine (in capsules) attenuated with live organisms for over 5 years
These vaccines do not provide a long-term immunity and are not approved for children under 2 years.
WHO prequalified in December 2017 a new conjugate vaccine that provides longer immunity and can be used in children older than 6 months.
Although tourist centers and large hotels are usually safe because they maintain good sanitation, if the person is about to travel to areas in where typhoid fever is endemic, the vaccine is recommended.
The following recommendations help to ensure safety. during travel:
- Make sure food is well cooked and remains hot when served .
- Avoid unboiled milk and unboiled milk-based products. You only have to consume pasteurized or boiled milk.
- Avoid ice, unless it is made with drinking water.
- Boil the water when in doubt about its sanity, and if this is not possible, disinfect it with reliable slow-release disinfectants, generally available in pharmacies.
- Wash well hands, and frequently with soap and water, especially after contact with pets or farm animals and after going to the bathroom.
- Wash well and, if possible , peel fruits and vegetables, especially if they are to be consumed raw.
Typhoid fever statistics
From the average of 17 million people who contract Salmonella typhi each year, the majority living in Southeast Asia ( especially India and Bangladesh) and in Sub-Saharan Africa .
Without However, the circulation of the disease is limited in areas of Latin America and the Caribbean. According to the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), the countries in the region that register cases of typhoid fever are: Brazil, Cuba, Peru, Ecuador, Guatemala, El Salvador and Colombia.
PAHO indicates that epidemiological surveillance must be improved in Latin America and the Caribbean, since cases of typhoid fever are underreported.
Sources: CDC, WHO, NHS, PAHO.