Typhoid fever on the other hand is an infectious disease which is as a result of the bacterium called Salmonella. This blog includes information about all the typhoid fever symptoms, and its causes, measures of protection, and impacts as guidelines towards the decrease of typhoid fever in the world.
Typhoid fever signs and symptoms
The signs thus categorized as early include fever, malaise, anorexia, vomiting, and abdominal pain which may take from 6 – 30 days of contact with the bacteria to appear. It includes weakness, fatigue, and general tiredness making it difficult for the affected individuals to undertake normal activities. Other common typhoid fever symptoms include:
1. Headache: A chronic, pulsating headache is usual and may not be relieved by routine analgesics.
2. Abdominal Pain: Some people may have a sense of the belly being full, tight or uncomfortable, and may also have cramps.
3.Constipation or Diarrhea: Another side effect reported by patients is constipation, while others experience diarrhea; the latter is often serious.
4. Rash: On the trunk, a characteristic type of rash known as “rose spots” may be present. These are small, flat, pink coloured spots which are not at all scratchy and disappear within 2-5 days.
5. Loss of Appetite and Weight Loss: As the infection becomes severe people develop anorexia and therefore are able to lose significant amounts of weight.
6. Enlarged Spleen and Liver: During the physical assessment, the physician or the internist may palpate a splenomegaly or hepatomegaly which is useful in diagnosing the condition. If it is not treated, typhoid fever can cause complications like perforation or bleeding in the intestines, which are fatal conditions.
Causes of Typhoid Fever
Typhoid fever is caused by food and water that has been contaminated by Salmonella. Those in the regions with poor standards of hygiene and sanitation die due to the bacteria because they are denied clean water and adequate ways of discharging wastes.
People can become infected with typhoid fever in several ways
1.Food and Water: This can develop through the ingestion of food or water which has been infected by the bacteria.
2. Close Contact with an Infected Person: It is clear that direct contact with an infected person particularly one who is dealing with food is also another way through which the disease spreads.
3.Traveling to Endemic Areas: Tourists heading for the affected areas are at a higher risk especially when they consume foods from roadside vendors or water from sources that have not been treated. Measures of controlling typhoid fever include actions that seek to minimize contact with the bacteria causing the disease and improving immunity of vulnerable groups of people.
4.Sanitation and Hygiene: Hygiene amenities such as hand wash stations and encouraging proper hand washing can help lower transmission risks of typhoid fever greatly. Taking regular clean water and proper sewage systems are the best ways of preventing the disease.
Conclusion
Typhoid fever continues to be a potential health hazard that warrants the attention especially of developing nations where there could be negative access to clean water and sanitation. Studying the Symptoms of Typhoid Fever knowing its causes, and being cautious by preventing the spread of the bacteria can be a major in minimizing this disease outbreak and fatalities.