#IDFridays Week 47: Typhoid

Name
Typhoid fever

Transmission

A serious illness caused by a bacteria called Salmonella Typhi that can spread throughout the body and affect many organs
The Salmonella Typhi bacteria live in humans (in the bloodstream and intestinal tract) and exit the body in the feces of infected people
The bacteria spread when others eat food or drink liquids that have been handled by an infected person and are contaminated with Salmonella Typhi
The bacteria can also spread if sewage contaminated with Salmonella Typhi gets into the water used for drinking or washing food
- This pollution of water sources often results in typhoid fever epidemics when large numbers of people use the same water source

Geography
Worldwide

Common in most countries except industrialized nations such as United States, Canada, western Europe, Australia, and Japan
Highest risk is in south Asia

Incubation Period
6 – 30 days after infection

Signs and Symptoms

Diagnosis
Laboratory testing of blood or feces samples to identify the bacteria

Treatment

Prognosis

Without treatment, people may continue to have a fever for weeks or months, and as many as 20% may die from complications of the infection
- Complications include intestinal bleeding, pneumonia, meningitis, hallucinations, and sepsis
Around 2–5% of those recovered become chronic carriers of the bacteria, as the bacteria continue to live in their bodies even after symptoms have resolved
- In these cases, the illness can return and they can continue to infect others with the bacteria

Prevention: What Can You Do?

Washing your hands, ensuring food is properly cooked, and maintaining a clean supply of water are important ways to prevent infection
There is a vaccine and it is recommended if you are traveling to a country where typhoid is common
- The vaccine is not 100% effective so in addition you need to be careful with what you eat and drink

Typhoid In the News

Recent news