How does typhoid occur

The infection is often passed on through contaminated food and drinking water, and it is more prevalent in places where handwashing is less frequent. It can also be passed on by carriers who do not know they carry the bacteria.

Annually, there are around 5, cases in the United States, and 75 percent of these start while traveling internationally. Globally, around If typhoid is caught early, it can be successfully treated with antibiotics; if it is not treated, typhoid can be fatal. The bacterium lives in the intestines and bloodstream of humans. It spreads between individuals by direct contact with the feces of an infected person. If untreated, around 1 in 5 cases of typhoid can be fatal.

With treatment, fewer than 4 in cases are fatal. After this, it makes its way through the intestinal wall and into the bloodstream. From the bloodstream, it spreads into other tissues and organs. The immune system of the host can do little to fight back because S. Typhoid is diagnosed by detecting the presence of S. The two major symptoms of typhoid are fever and rash. Typhoid fever is particularly high, gradually increasing over several days up to degrees Fahrenheit, or 39 to 40 degrees Celsius.

The rash, which does not affect every patient, consists of rose-colored spots, particularly on the neck and abdomen. Rarely, symptoms might include confusion, diarrhea , and vomiting, but this is not normally severe. In serious, untreated cases, the bowel can become perforated. This can lead to peritonitis, an infection of the tissue that lines the inside of the abdomen, which has been reported as fatal in between 5 and 62 percent of cases.

Contents from the intestine leak into the stomach and can cause severe stomach pain, nausea, vomiting and bloodstream infection sepsis. This life-threatening complication requires immediate medical care. With quick treatment, nearly all people in industrialized nations recover from typhoid fever.

Without treatment, some people may not survive complications of the disease. Safe drinking water, improved sanitation and adequate medical care can help prevent and control typhoid fever. Unfortunately, in many developing nations, these may be difficult to achieve. For this reason, some experts believe that vaccines are the best way to control typhoid fever. A vaccine is recommended if you live in or are traveling to areas where the risk of getting typhoid fever is high.

Both require repeat immunizations because their effectiveness wears off over time. Because the vaccine won't provide complete protection, follow these guidelines when traveling to high-risk areas:. Avoid drinking untreated water. Contaminated drinking water is a particular problem in areas where typhoid fever is endemic.

For that reason, drink only bottled water or canned or bottled carbonated beverages, wine and beer. Carbonated bottled water is safer than non-carbonated bottled water. Ask for drinks without ice. Use bottled water to brush your teeth, and try not to swallow water in the shower. How can I protect myself from typhoid fever and paratyphoid fever?

If you are planning to travel outside the United States, you should do the following: Get vaccinated against typhoid fever there is no vaccine against paratyphoid fever. Find out how to avoid getting sick from food and drinks. Can animals spread typhoid fever or paratyphoid fever to people? Salmonella Typhi and Salmonella Paratyphi live only in humans. Information for Travelers.

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You will be subject to the destination website's privacy policy when you follow the link. This means that they'll have no symptoms, but do have the bacteria in their bodies and can pass it on to others. Typhoid in the U. But if you plan to travel to a foreign country especially South-central and Southeast Asia, Africa, Latin America, or the Caribbean , it's a good idea to talk to your doctor about prevention and treatment of typhoid fever.

People usually get typhoid fever by drinking beverages or eating food that has been handled by someone who has typhoid fever or is a carrier of the illness. Those infected also can pass the disease to others directly for example, by touching them with unwashed hands. People also get the illness by drinking water that is contaminated by sewage.

The doctor will evaluate the symptoms and ask you about your child's medical history and recent travels. The doctor probably will take a sample of stool poop , urine pee , or blood to test it for the disease.

Typhoid fever is treated with antibiotics that kill the bacteria. It's important to take the medicine for the whole time that the doctor prescribes, even if your child feels better.

If you stop it too soon, some bacteria could remain. Most kids start feeling better within 2 to 3 days of beginning treatment. Offer your child plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration. Kids who are severely dehydrated due to diarrhea might need to get IV intravenous fluids in a hospital or other medical care facility. Acetaminophen can help reduce fever and make your child feel more comfortable.