Typhoid fever remains a major public-health challenge, especially in developing regions with limited access to clean water and sanitation. Although modern medicine has dramatically reduced severe complications, typhoid continues to affect millions globally every year.

What Is Typhoid Fever?

Typhoid fever is a potentially serious bacterial infection caused by Salmonella typhi. It spreads through contaminated food, water, or close contact with an infected person. Once inside the body, the bacteria enter the bloodstream and can affect multiple organs.

How Typhoid Spreads

Typhoid is primarily transmitted through:

1. Contaminated food and water

Food washed or prepared with unsafe water

Street foods handled without proper hygiene

Unwashed fruits and vegetables

2. Poor sanitation

Areas without clean water systems

Improper sewage disposal

3. Person-to-person transmission

Chronic carriers (people who continue shedding the bacteria even after recovery) can infect others without knowing it.

Early Symptoms of Typhoid Fever

Typhoid symptoms usually appear 6–30 days after exposure and may be mild at first.

Common signs include:

Persistent high fever (often rising in a step-wise pattern)

Severe headache

Weakness and fatigue

Abdominal pain or discomfort

Diarrhea or constipation

Loss of appetite

Dry cough in early stages

Severe complications (if untreated)

Intestinal bleeding

Perforation of the intestine

Confusion or delirium (“typhoid state”)

Severe dehydration

These are medical emergencies requiring urgent care.

Diagnosing Typhoid

Doctors may use:

Blood cultures (most reliable early test)

Stool or urine cultures

Widal test (less accurate but used in resource-limited areas)

Typhoid rapid tests (vary in accuracy)

Early testing ensures effective and faster treatment.

Treatment: What Works?

Typhoid is treated using antibiotics, which shorten illness and prevent complications. Commonly prescribed antibiotics may include:

Azithromycin

Ceftriaxone

Ciprofloxacin (less used now in some regions due to resistance)

Important:

Antibiotic resistance is increasing, making proper diagnosis and follow-up essential.

Supportive care may involve:

Hydration

Nutrient-rich foods

Rest

Patients should complete the full course of antibiotics even if symptoms improve early.

Preventing Typhoid: What You Can Do

Prevention is the most powerful tool, especially in high-risk areas.

1. Vaccination

Two main vaccines exist:

Injectable polysaccharide vaccine

Oral live-attenuated vaccine

They are especially recommended for:

Travelers

People living in high-risk areas

Food handlers

2. Safe food and water habits

Drink boiled or bottled water

Avoid raw vegetables and unpeeled fruits

Eat food that is freshly cooked and piping hot

3. Good hygiene

Wash hands frequently with soap

Avoid food bought from unhygienic street vendors

Keep household water containers covered

Typhoid in Children

Children are more vulnerable because:

Their immune systems are still developing

They may consume contaminated water without realizing it

Exposure in school environments is higher

Symptoms in children can be less specific, making early testing important.

Typhoid is preventable and treatable, but can be life-threatening if ignored.

Clean water, proper hygiene, and vaccination remain the best defenses.

Early diagnosis and appropriate antibiotics are crucial.

Completing the treatment is essential to avoid chronic carrier states.