Typhoid fever is a serious and sometimes life-threatening infection
that mostly affects people in developing countries, where clean water
and other sanitation measures are hard to come by. The disease usually
causes symptoms that include a high fever, a stomachache, and achiness.
It can be cured with antibiotics.
If you live in the U.S. the chances of someone in your family getting
typhoid fever are slim. But if you're planning to travel to a foreign
country, especially one in the tropics, it's a good idea to know about
typhoid fever. Before you travel, get vaccinated against the disease and
learn about safety precautions regarding food and water.
About Typhoid Fever
Typhoid fever is caused by bacteria called Salmonella Typhi (S. Typhi), which are related to the bacteria salmonella that cause food poisoning. S. Typhi typically live in humans and are shed through a person's feces (poop) or urine (pee). Once the bacteria get into the body, they quickly multiply and spread
into the bloodstream. The body responds with a high fever and other
symptoms, usually a week or two after exposure to the bacteria (but
sometimes later). Symptoms can be mild to severe and usually disappear 2
to 5 days after antibiotic treatment begins.
Without treatment, typhoid fever may last a month or more and become very serious, even life-threatening. After recovering from typhoid fever, some people still can become
carriers of the bacteria. This means that they'll have no symptoms, but
do have the bacteria in their bodies and can pass it on to other people.
How People Get It
People usually get typhoid fever by drinking beverages or eating food
that has been handled by someone who has typhoid fever or is a carrier
of the illness. Those infected also can pass the disease onto others
directly (for example, by touching them with unwashed hands). People
also get the illness by drinking water that is contaminated by sewage
that contains the S. Typhi bacteria. For these reasons, the disease is common in areas with poor
sanitation and inadequate water treatment. It is also common in tropical
and subtropical areas around the world, including Africa, Asia, and
Latin America.
Signs & Symptoms
The symptoms of typhoid fever may range from mild to severe,
depending on factors such as the age, health, and vaccination history of
the infected person and the geographic location where the infection
originated. Typhoid fever can come on suddenly or very gradually over a few weeks. Early signs and symptoms of the illness include:
- fever that can reach as high as 104°F (40°C)
- feeling achy, tired, or weak
- constipation
- diarrhea
- headache
- stomach pain and loss of appetite
- sore throat
When typhoid fever isn't untreated, symptoms become worse week by
week. Besides a fever, someone may lose weight; develop a swollen or
bloated belly; or develop or a red, spotted rash on the lower chest or
upper belly. The rash usually clears up in 2 to 5 days. In most cases, the symptoms of typhoid fever start to go away in the
third and fourth weeks, as long as the disease doesn't cause any other
health problems. After the illness has appeared to go away, it can come
back.
Complications
Serious health problems (complications) as a result of typhoid fever
are rare in children. When kids do develop complications, they tend to
be gastrointestinal problems, specifically an intestinal perforation (a
hole in the intestines). This is life-threatening condition that
requires immediate medical attention. Less common complications include problems with the lungs or heart,
infections in the bones or joints, urinary tract infections, or mental
health problems.
When to Call a Doctor
Call a doctor if you think your child has been exposed to typhoid
fever or develops any symptoms of typhoid fever, even mild ones,
especially after visiting an area where the infection is common. To make a diagnosis, the doctor will evaluate the symptoms and ask
you about your child's medical history and recent travels. The doctor
probably will take a sample of stool (poop), urine (pee), or blood to
test it for the disease.
Treatment
Typhoid fever is treated with antibiotics that kill S. Typhi bacteria. If
the doctor prescribes antibiotics, be sure your child completes the
course of treatment. Do not end the treatment early even if your child
begins to feel better. Most kids start feeling better within 2 to 3 days of beginning
treatment. In addition to giving antibiotics, offer your child plenty of
fluids to prevent dehydration. Kids who are severely dehydrated from a
loss of fluids due to diarrhea might be given IV (intravenous) fluids in
a hospital or other medical care facility. Acetaminophen can help reduce fever and make your child feel more
comfortable. Call a doctor immediately if your child's symptoms persist,
if symptoms go away and then reappear, or if your child develops any
new symptoms.
Source: kidshealth