Typhoid fever as it is popularly known is an acute illness caused by bacteria Salmonella enterica serotype typhi. The bacteria are deposited by a human carrier in food or water before being spread to other people in the surrounding areas.

While typhoid still poses a threat in Nigeria, the prevalence rate has taken a downward turn in recent times according to World Health Organization statistics in 2017.

How Does Typhoid Spread?

The major means through which typhoid spreads from person to person is contaminated water or food. Most times, people with acute illness contaminate a community’s water supply through indiscriminate defecating. Contaminated water supply can, in turn, taint the community’s food supply.

Typhoid causing bacteria can survive in dried sewage and water for a very long time. About 3%-5% of people become carriers of the disease after suffering from acute illness. While others may suffer brief symptoms that eventually go unrecognized. Some people in this category may become long-term carriers of the disease—though they had no recognizable symptoms. Same individuals could go on to become the source of major outbreaks in the future.

What Are The Signs of Typhoid?

Typhoid signs and symptoms appear gradually-usually after two to three weeks of exposure to the disease.

Early signs

- Fever that grows steadily and possibly reaching as high as 40.5 C

- Muscle Ache

- A headache

- A dry Cough

- Loss of appetite and weight

- Abdominal pain

- Rash

- Swollen belly

- Weakness and Fatigue

- Sweating

- Diarrhea and constipation

Late signs

These signs usually appear when treatment is delayed.

- Typhoid state emerges-a condition of exhaustion and motionlessness

- Become delirious

Life-threatening situations could also develop at this time.

Treatment Options

Once you notice some or all of the signs highlighted above, it is time to pay your doctor a visit. Your healthcare provider will recommend one of the following treatment plans.

Treatment at home

If typhoid is detected early, a course of antibiotics may be prescribed for you. Depending on the individual, this dosage could continue for up to 14 days.

Since some strains of the Salmonela typhi bacteria are becoming increasingly resistant to more types of antibiotics, your healthcare provider may suggest a test to be carried out. Tests on your blood, urine or stool will reveal the strain of Salmonella typhi bacteria you are infected with and the appropriate antibiotic will be prescribed.

Improvements should become a lot more visible after 2-3 days of treatment.

Hospital Treatment

This is usually recommended when you have severe symptoms of typhoid fever, such as severe diarrhea, severe vomiting or a swollen stomach.

Young children are most likely going to be admitted to the hospital just as a precautionary move. Here, antibiotics are injected intravenously along with other vital fluids and nutrients.

Severe or life-threatening typhoid situation, such as internal bleeding or a rupture in the digestive tract may require surgery. But this is very rare.

Most people begin to respond to treatment 3 to 5 days after the commencement of treatment. Although it may take up to two weeks before you are well enough to leave the hospital.

Prevention

- Wash hand frequently

- Avoid drinking untreated water

- Wash raw fruits and vegetables thoroughly before eating them

- Eat more of hot food

World Health Organization