Typhoid fever
Einstein Health Glossary
ICD 10 - A010
What is typhoid fever?
Typhoid fever is a disease caused by the bacterium Salmonella Typhi, transmitted through contaminated water and food. Contact with the feces or urine of infected individuals can also spread the disease.
Symptoms
Symptoms of typhoid fever include high fever, headache, abdominal pain, and constipation or diarrhea. In severe cases, intestinal bleeding, severe dehydration, and organ damage may occur. Without treatment, there is a risk of death.
Causes
Typhoid fever is caused by the bacterium Salmonella enterica serotype Typhi, found in contaminated food. Lack of basic sanitation is one of the main ways the infection spreads.
Diagnosis
Typhoid fever is diagnosed by a physician based on the clinical evaluation of the patient, considering symptoms and the history of food consumption and sanitation conditions. Laboratory tests may be requested.
Prevention Method
Individually, typhoid fever can be prevented through personal hygiene habits, especially handwashing and consuming food from reliable sources. Collectively, basic sanitation is the main way to prevent the spread of the disease.
Treatment
Treatment for typhoid fever is determined by a physician. Common strategies include antibiotics to fight the bacteria and fluid intake to replace losses caused by diarrhea.
Duration
With treatment, the bacteria that cause typhoid fever are typically eliminated within one to three weeks. However, up to 5% of patients may continue to transmit the disease for up to a year.
Is it contagious?
Typhoid fever can be transmitted through direct contact with an infected person's hands, especially if they are not properly washed. Direct contact with contaminated feces or urine is another risk.
Can it be contracted more than once?
Yes, typhoid fever can be contracted more than once.