Symptoms Of Typhoid Fever And Its Consequences

Typhoid fever develops from several symptoms and failure to pay attention can have worrying health consequences.

Typhoid fever is a disease that is affecting the world. For this reason, the symptoms must be taken into account, in order to treat the infection in time and not have serious repercussions.

This infection is caused by the Salmonella Typhi bacteria, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). This bacteria is found in water, drinks, and food previously handled by sick people.

The disease has been reduced by antibiotic treatment and by regulations on water purification and control of human waste disposal. According to the Mayo Clinic, this results in fewer people carrying the bacteria.

However, the WHO indicates that the bacteria in question remains common in regions of Africa, Asia, the Mediterranean, and the Western Pacific.

How it is contracted

The typhoid fever microorganism lives inside humans, who carry it in their blood and intestines, although in some cases people are only carriers and never develop symptoms.

The New York State Department of Health reports that only 3% of carriers carry this bacteria for life. Furthermore, this is more common in adults.

On the other hand, the WHO points out urbanization and climate change as key causes of the increase in this disease in the world.

The New York State Department of Health also assures that only people who have diarrhea among their symptoms and who cannot control it should be isolated. Others, when the symptoms pass, can return to normal, taking precautions so as not to affect others.

Symptoms          

Among the initial symptoms that can be perceived when contracting the disease are the following:

• Fevers that can reach 40 degrees Celsius
• Headache
• Stomachache
• Muscle pain
• Weakness and tiredness
• Diarrhea or constipation
• Cough
• Loss of appetite
• Skin rashes
• Enlargement of the spleen and liver

On the other hand, this disease can cause more problems after the initial symptoms, including a swollen stomach and intestinal problems.

Antibiotic resistance

Despite effective treatment of the disease with antibiotics, the WHO reported that the bacteria has developed resistance to the drugs, which makes it easier for this infection to spread.

Consequences

WHO data collected in 2019 show that typhoid fever affects 9 million people annually, of whom approximately 100,000 die.

When the disease is not treated appropriately, it is fatal in 25% of cases, according to Medical News Today.

In extreme situations, an infected person may: