What is Typhoid Fever?

Typhoid fever is a bacterial disease, caused by Salmonella typhi ( S.typhi ). It is transmitted through the ingestion of food or drink contaminated by faeces or urine of infected people.

A person with typhoid fever has this bacterium in their blood stream and intestinal tract. They can infect the other people by contaminating food and water.

Malaysia reported a total of 325 cases of typhoid and paratyphoid in 2007 (Incidence rate 1.2/100,000 population)

What are common food Implicated?

• Undercooked shellfish (etak, cockles, kupang, clams, oyster)
• Raw vegetables (lettuces, ulam)
• Contaminated Cendol
• Raw milk

What are the signs and symptoms?

• Sustained and prolonged fever up to 40°C
• Diarrhea
• Constipation
• Stomach ache
• Headache
• Malaise (Weekness/ Lethargic)
• Loss of apetite
• Dry cough
• Slow heart rate (bradycardia)
• Rose coloured spots on the upper body
• Enlarged spleen and livers

usually develop after 1-2 weeks but can also occur from 3 days to 3 months after exposure.

Symptoms include:

How does it spread?

• Consumption of food and drink which has been contaminated by S.typhi bacteria
• Consumption of food and drink which has been prepared by persons carrying the bacteria (typhoid carrier)

Complications

• Often fatal if not treated early and adequately
• Persons with no symptoms / recover from typhoid fever but continue to carry the bacteria is called a “carrier”.

Treatments

• A person with typhoid fever should seek medical help.
• Antibiotic such as chloramphenicol, ampicilin and ciprofloxacin are commonly prescribed.

Prevention

• Wash hands properly with soap and water after visiting toilet and before preparing food.
• Only eat foods that have been thoroughly cooked
• Avoid risky foods and drinks (raw vegetables and fruits, street foods, ice during outbreak)
• Drink only boiled or bottled water.
• Avoid ice unless the ice is made from boiled or bottled water
• Get vaccinated against typhoid fever
• Maintain cleanliness and proper sanitation especially after flood or natural disaster.
• Use only clean water for food preparation

What should I do if I am suspected to have typhoid fever?

See you doctor immediately