Typhoid is not an ordinary fever, it is a serious bacterial infection that affects millions of people worldwide each year. We often know it simply as a high-temperature fever, but it has a complex scientific and historical background. In this report, we will discuss the ins and outs of typhoid and how to protect against it.
Typhoid fever is primarily spread by a bacterium called Salmonella typhi. Although it is related to common food poisoning bacteria, its effects are much more potent. Typhoid primarily attacks the human digestive system and bloodstream. According to the World Health Organization According to the WHO, approximately 16 million people are infected with this disease worldwide each year, and more than 600,000 people die.
The primary means of transmission for typhoid is contaminated food and water. When an infected person or a ‘carrier’ (who is healthy but carries the bacteria in their body) does not properly wash their hands after using the toilet, the bacteria can contaminate food or water through their hands. This is known as the ‘fecal-oral route’ in medical science. The bacteria can also spread through open sewers or flies.
The main characteristic of typhoid is a prolonged high fever. The fever often rises to 103-104 degrees Fahrenheit. Other symptoms include:
- Severe headache and fatigue.
- Abdominal pain and constipation (initially).
- A pinkish rash, or ‘rose spots,’ on the body, especially on the abdomen.
- Loss of appetite and joint pain.
When it comes to typhoid, the name Mary Mallon, or ‘Typhoid Mary,’ will forever be etched in history. Mary was a cook of Irish descent who worked for wealthy families in New York in the early 1900s. Interestingly, Mary herself never felt sick. But she was an ‘asymptomatic carrier,’ meaning she had the bacteria in her body but showed no symptoms.
Wherever she worked, typhoid would break out. Health officials eventually identified her and, in the interest of public health, she was confined to isolation for 26 years. She died in confinement in 1938. Mary’s story teaches us how a seemingly healthy person can unknowingly cause the deaths of hundreds of people.
If left untreated, typhoid can be extremely dangerous. It can cause bleeding in the intestines or a perforated intestine (Perforation). This is called ‘peritonitis,’ which is fatal in most cases. Other complications can include enlarged liver and spleen, pneumonia, and inflammation of the brain.
Doctors typically diagnose typhoid through a blood culture. The presence of the bacteria can also be confirmed through stool and urine tests.
In modern medicine, antibiotics are the primary treatment for typhoid. However, a cause for concern is that bacteria in many countries are now developing antibiotic resistance. has developed. Drugs like ceftriaxone or ciprofloxacin are usually effective. Often, the bacteria hide in the gallbladder, which requires long-term treatment.
There is no substitute for personal hygiene to prevent typhoid. Here are some effective ways:
1. Drink clean water: Always drink boiled or filtered water.
2. Practice handwashing: Wash your hands thoroughly with soap before eating and after using the toilet.
3. Avoid street food: Steer clear of cut fruits or juices sold in open areas.
4. Get vaccinated: It is wise to get the typhoid vaccine before traveling to high-risk areas.
Typhoid is not just a disease, it is a reflection of the weaknesses in our sanitation systems. While it has been eradicated in the developed world, it remains a major challenge in developing countries. Our awareness and proper hygiene practices are the only way to stop this silent killer.