- Typhoid fever is a bacterial infection that spreads through contaminated food or water.
- Symptoms may include high fever, chills, headache, digestive changes, and small red spots on the skin.
- Treatment usually involves antibiotics, rest, fluids, and supportive care to help prevent complications.
Typhoid fever is an infectious disease caused by the bacterium Salmonella typhi. It can cause symptoms such as a high fever, loss of appetite, dry cough, chills, an enlarged spleen, and small red spots on the skin.
These symptoms can take up to 3 weeks to go away. Typhoid fever should be evaluated and treated by a primary care provider or infectious disease specialist.
The bacteria that cause typhoid fever can spread through contaminated food or water. For this reason, the condition is more common in areas with poor sanitation and limited access to clean water.
Main symptoms
The main symptoms that may indicate typhoid fever include:
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High fever and chills
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Nausea or vomiting
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Constipation or diarrhea
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General malaise
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Enlarged spleen and liver
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Slower heart rate
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Small reddish spots on the skin, especially on the chest and abdomen
Early symptoms of typhoid fever are usually mild, as the bacteria can take 1 to 3 weeks to multiply and cause more noticeable and severe symptoms.
It is important for typhoid fever to be diagnosed and treated promptly, as this can help prevent life-threatening complications, such as abdominal bleeding, intestinal perforation, and widespread infection.
Confirming a diagnosis
Typhoid fever is diagnosed by a primary care provider or infectious disease specialist based on the person’s symptoms, lifestyle and hygiene habits, and recent travel history.
Blood, stool, and urine tests may also be ordered to look for signs of bacterial infection.
Other tests that may be requested include microbiological tests, such as blood and stool cultures, to identify Salmonella typhi. This helps confirm the diagnosis and guide the most appropriate treatment.
How it spreads
The bacteria responsible for typhoid fever are mainly transmitted through water and food contaminated with urine or feces that contain the bacteria. According to the World Health Organization, this risk is higher in populations without access to safe water and adequate sanitation.
The main foods linked to typhoid fever transmission include unpasteurized milk, seafood, vegetables, legumes, leafy greens, and unwashed fruits.
Typhoid fever can also spread through contact with the hands or secretions of a person carrying the bacteria.
Treatment options
Treatment for typhoid fever is guided by a primary care provider or infectious disease specialist and focuses on eliminating the bacteria, relieving symptoms, and preventing complications.
The main treatments that may be recommended include:
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Antibiotics, such as ciprofloxacin (Cipro), amoxicillin, sulfamethoxazole + trimethoprim (Bactrim), ceftriaxone, azithromycin, or chloramphenicol
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Pain relievers and fever reducers, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen
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Rest
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A light diet low in calories and fat
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Increased fluid intake, such as filtered water or tea
In addition, laxatives are not recommended. In cases of diarrhea, foods that may worsen symptoms should also be avoided.
In general, symptoms improve after the fifth day of antibiotic treatment. However, it is important to continue treatment as directed by a doctor, as the bacteria can remain in the body for about 4 months without causing symptoms.
In more severe cases of typhoid fever, hospitalization may be necessary so the person can be monitored and receive IV fluids and antibiotics directly into a vein.
In cases of complications, such as gallstones, peritonitis, or intestinal perforation, surgery may be recommended.
How to prevent
Some ways to help prevent typhoid fever include:
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Wash your hands with soap and water before and after using the bathroom, before meals, and before preparing food.
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Drink only boiled, filtered, or bottled water.
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Avoid undercooked or raw foods, especially meat, seafood, eggs, and unwashed fruits and vegetables.
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Prefer freshly cooked, piping hot foods.
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Avoid eating from places with poor hygiene or sanitation.
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Do not allow children to accept food from strangers or drink water from public fountains at school.
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Remind children not to put objects in their mouths, as these may be contaminated.
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Keep a separate bottle of mineral, boiled, or filtered water just for the child.
In addition, a typhoid fever vaccine may be recommended for people who live in or are traveling to areas where typhoid fever is common. According to the CDC, vaccination works best alongside clean water access, adequate sanitation, and good hygiene.
Possible complications
The main complications of typhoid fever include:
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Intestinal bleeding or perforation
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Heart problems, such as myocarditis or endocarditis
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Aneurysm
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Pneumonia
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Gallstones or kidney stones
Therefore, it is important to start the treatment recommended by a doctor as soon as typhoid fever symptoms appear, to help prevent life-threatening complications.