Signs of Typhoid in Adults

An NIH article states that India has the most considerable typhoid impact in the world, with almost 10 million cases of typhoid fever reported every year. Typhoid fever, a bacterial infection caused by Salmonella Typhi, is spread by contaminated food and water and can produce severe fever, weakness, and stomach pain.

Typhoid is treatable with the best possible medical treatment but may lead to severe complications if left untreated. Under such circumstances, it is essential to recognise the signs and learn about preventive measures to take necessary actions towards protection from infection.

What is Typhoid Fever? 

Typhoid fever is an infection caused by the bacterium Salmonella typhi (S. Typhi) transmitted through ingesting food or water contaminated with faecal matter-containing bacteria. Prolonged fever, rashes, abdominal pain, loss of appetite, and, in severe cases, complications such as intestinal perforation are symptoms of the disease. Typhoid fever is widespread in regions with poor sanitation, particularly in South America, Southeast Asia, Africa, and India.

What Causes Typhoid Fever? 

Salmonella Typhi is primarily transmitted through the oral-faecal route in contaminated food or water, poor hand hygiene where people do not wash their hands after going to the bathroom, and direct contact with an infected person or carrier, even from the food they prepared or eating fruits without peeling it. Typhoid carriers, who may not show symptoms, can shed the bacteria in their stool for months or even years, contributing to the spread of the disease.

What are the Risk Factors for Typhoid Fever? 

Certain factors increase the risk of affecting typhoid fever:

1. Travel: Travelling regions such as South Asia, Africa, and parts of South America may cause a higher risk of infection.
2. Poor Hygiene: People exposed to unclean water and living in poor sanitation and sewage systems are at high risk of typhoid cases.
3. Close Contact: Living with or caring for an infected or a carrier can transfer the infection to non-carriers.
4. Workplace: Individuals work in healthcare as clinical microbiologists handling Salmonella typhi bacteria or food industries without proper sanitation.
5. Unvaccinated Status: If the person has not received the typhoid vaccine when travelling to high-risk areas, they are at high risk of infection.

What are the Symptoms of Typhoid Fever? 

The symptoms of typhoid fever typically develop one to three weeks after exposure and progress in stages. Common symptoms in adults include:

1. A prolonged high fever (104 degrees Fahrenheit) that rises gradually and remains for weeks if untreated.
2. Gastrointestinal issues like abdominal pain and constipation or diarrhoea are more common in adults.
3. General symptoms such as headaches, chills, muscle aches, fatigue, and weakness may occur.
4. Damage to the small intestine causes severe stomach pain, nausea, and infection.
5. Other complications include inflammation of the heart muscle, valves, and pancreas and spreading the infection to various organs such as the kidney, liver, or bladder.

How is Typhoid Fever Diagnosed? 

Individuals demonstrating symptoms of typhoid fever should seek a physician’s attention immediately. Diagnosing typhoid fever requires a thorough examination of travel history and possible exposure to risk factors. Diagnosis combines elements of both clinical evaluation and laboratory tests:

1. Blood/Stool/Urine culture: The diagnosis of Salmonella Typhi from the bloodstream during the first week of illness.
2. Bone marrow culture: It is often tested for the sensitive type of Salmonella Typhi

These test results allow for prompt medical care and lower the risk of complications. Once diagnosed, antibiotic remedies and supportive care such as hydration and proper nutrition are given to patients.

What are the Preventive Measures for Typhoid Fever? 

Typhoid fever can be prevented if an individual follows the following measures:

1. Vaccination: As stated by WHO, Typhoid conjugate vaccine is injected for adults up to 45 years or 65 years.
2. Maintain Proper Sanitation: Avoid drinking tap water, ice cubes, and untreated water. Instead, access to clean water if it is bottled, canned, or carbonated water.
3. Manage Proper Hygiene: One should wash their hands with soap or sanitizer before and after consuming food and using the bathroom. They should avoid eating unpeeled fruits, vegetables, and foods from outside. It is advisable to eat pasteurized dairy products and hard-cooked eggs.
4. Public Health Measures: Identifying and treating carriers to prevent transmission. Avoid preparing foods for others until their health recovers. Promote health Education campaigns in high-risk zones.

Typhoid fever is preventable yet potentially a life-threatening disease that continues to affect millions worldwide. It is best to consult a doctor to know the cause and treatment for the disease. For individuals noticing symptoms of typhoid fever, consult with a doctor and schedule a Typhoid Fever Panel at Dr Lal PathLabs.

Frequently Asked Questions 

1. What are the danger signs of typhoid fever?

High fever (104 degrees Fahrenheit or 39.5 degrees Celsius) and severe diarrhoea can lead to severe complications, which can be life-threatening.

2. How long does it take to recover from typhoid fever?

Patients begin to improve with appropriate treatment within three to five days, but full recovery may take several weeks.

3. Can a person get typhoid fever more than once?

Yes, recovery from typhoid fever does not provide lifelong immunity. Reinfection is possible if exposed to the bacteria again.