Typhoid, also known as typhoid fever, is an infection due to theSalmonella typhibacterium.
The infection is life-threatening and typically spread through contaminated water or food.
That said, person-to-person transmission is also possible.
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Without early treatment using antibiotics, typhoid can cause severe health complications and death.
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How Is Typhoid Transmitted?
The primary transmission method for typhoid is consuming water or food contaminated with theSalmonellatyphibacterium.
The spread of infection in both typhoid and typhus also differs.
Person-to-Person Typhoid Transmission
Typhoid doesn’t usually spread from person-to-person contact.
It is often spread through improper food handling.
Typhoid Symptoms
There are various symptoms associated with a typhoid infection.
They can include:
These symptoms can be either mild or severe.
What Causes Typhoid?
Typhoid is triggered by theSalmonellatyphibacterium.
The bacterium gets into the water supply via feces in places with inadequate sanitation and drainage practices.
Factors That Contribute to Typhoid Transmission
Various factors play into typhoid transmission.
They can include:
Who Is at Risk for Typhoid?
Children are considered more at risk than adults because their immune systems have yet to be fully developed.
However, children often experience less severe symptoms if they do have typhoid.
Adults withweakened immune systemsare the most at risk for severe illness and life-threatening typhoid complications.
These samples will be examined microscopically to detect the presence ofSalmonellatyphi.
How Typhoid Is Treated
The primary treatment for typhoid isantibiotics, which fight bacterial infections.
This is the most effective method since it is a bacterium causing the infection.
The first involves proper hygiene practices, such as washing hands after using the bathroom and before handling food.
Typhoid vaccination can prevent typhoid fever.
Vaccination is recommended for those traveling to areas where typhoid is prevalent.
Typhoid Vaccine
Severalvaccinesare available for people who wish to reduce their risk of contracting typhoid.
The vaccine given is based on factors such as their age.
It can be given to children as young as 6 months and adults up to age 65.
A live attenuated oral vaccine is also available in capsule form for people aged 6 or above.
This is because many popular travel destinations fall into the high-risk categories of poor sanitation practices.
These steps help reduce the chances that youll contract typhoid and develop life-threatening complications.
Can Typhoid Fever Cause Complications?
Many severe complications can arise after a person contracts typhoid, all of which can be fatal.
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