TYPHOID: CAUSES AND TREATMENT |FINDYOURSELF

August 10, 2019 0 Comments

Typhoid is a bacterial infection that can lead to a high fever, diarrhea, and vomiting. It can be fatal. It is caused by the bacteria Salmonella typhi. The infection is often passed on through contaminated food and drinking water, and it is more prevalent in places where hand-washing is less frequent. The bacterium lives in the intestines and bloodstream of humans. It spreads between individuals by direct contact with the feces of an infected person.

·       Typhoid is caused by the bacteria S. typhi and spread through food, drinks, and drinking water that are contaminated with infected fecal matter. Washing fruit and vegetables can spread it, if contaminated water is used.

·       Some people are asymptomatic carriers of typhoid, meaning that they harbor the bacteria but suffer no ill effects. Others continue to harbor the bacteria after their symptoms have gone. Sometimes, the disease can appear again.

·       People who test positive as carriers may not be allowed to work with children or older people until medical tests show that they are clear.

·       A diagnosis of typhoid fever can usually be confirmed by analysing samples of blood, poo (stools) or pee (urine).

·       These will be examined under a microscope for the Salmonella typhi bacteria that cause the condition.

·       The bacteria aren't always detected the first time, so you may need to have a series of tests.

·       Testing a sample of bone marrow is a more accurate way of diagnosing typhoid fever.

·       But getting the sample is both time-consuming and painful, so it's usually only used if other tests are inconclusive.

·       If typhoid fever is confirmed, other members of your household may also need to be tested in case you have passed the infection on to them.

 

·       The only effective treatment for typhoid is antibiotics. The most commonly used are ciprofloxacin (for non-pregnant adults) and ceftriaxone.

·       Other than antibiotics, it is important to re-hydrate by drinking adequate water.

·       In more severe cases, where the bowel has become perforated, surgery may be required.

 

·       Typhoid is spread by contact and ingestion of infected human feces. This can happen through an infected water source or when handling food.

·       The following are some general rules to follow when traveling to help minimize the chance of typhoid infection:

·       Drink bottled water, preferably carbonated.

·       If bottled water cannot be sourced, ensure water is heated on a rolling boil for at least one minute before consuming.

·       Be wary of eating anything that has been handled by someone else.

·       Avoid eating at street food stands, and only eat food that is still hot.

·       Do not have ice in drinks.

·       Avoid raw fruit and vegetables, peel fruit yourself, and do not eat the peel.