How Is Typhoid Fever Transmitted?

According to specialists, typhoid fever is an infectious disease generally caused by the Salmonella Typhi bacteria.

The WHO also points out that increasing resistance to antibiotics also facilitates the transmission of the disease in people who do not have sufficient access to drinking water or appropriate sanitation systems.

What are the transmission routes of typhoid fever?

According to Dr. Carlos Grazioso, an infectious disease specialist and pediatrician, this disease is transmitted by the fecal-oral route. He also explains that the infected person expels the bacteria through feces. If that person does not wash their hands and touches surfaces or food, they can infect others when they come into contact with contaminated objects.

In this regard, Dr. Mario Rafael Sum, Coordinator of the Food and Water Transmitted Diseases Program of the Ministry of Health, adds that the Salmonella typhi bacteria multiplies when it enters the body and moves into the bloodstream. These bacteria only live in human bodies and can also be transmitted through urine and any type of secretion from a sick person.

According to Grazioso, the disease can be contracted at any age, although he also mentions that it can be more serious in some cases when it involves children.

It is worth remembering that a person can be a carrier of the disease and not show any symptoms, as was the case of Mary Mallon, who was named Typhoid Mary, who infected dozens of people due to poor hygiene practices when preparing food, causing several deaths around her.

How do I know if I have typhoid fever?

To determine whether you have the disease or not, you should see a specialist, who will advise you to undergo a stool test if appropriate. According to Sum, symptoms may appear one to three weeks after infection.   

Regarding the symptoms of typhoid fever, Dr. Stuardo Batres, general practitioner, mentions the following:

• Diarrhea
• Lack of appetite, especially in children
• Bloody yellow stools, usually with traces of blood
• Fatigue
• Headache and/or stomach ache
• Nausea
• Skin rashes
• Very high fevers (39 degrees Celsius or higher)

Who is most vulnerable to typhoid fever?

Sum says some people are more vulnerable to this disease. The most affected groups are people under five years of age, adults aged 65 or older, and patients who have some kind of immune system disorder or low defenses.

If you or someone in your family belongs to one of these groups, it is vital to take extra precautions to avoid complications or even sudden death.

How to prevent typhoid fever?

Hand washing is essential for the prevention of this disease, as is the correct preparation of food, and respecting the times and methods of cooking to avoid the spread of Salmonella typhi or any other bacteria.

In addition, specialists suggest taking the following measures to avoid the spread of typhoid fever:

1. Wash your hands frequently and correctly.
2. Those who change baby diapers should take special care, so it is recommended to wash hands thoroughly before and after doing so.
3. Handle food with completely clean hands.
4. Cook food at the right temperature and in the right way.
5. If you drink milk, it must be homogenized and pasteurized.
6. When preparing any food, serve and consume immediately.
7. Avoid eating out as much as possible.
8. If you travel, buy bottled water preferably.
9. Do not eat raw shellfish.
10. Avoid adding ice to drinks if you do not know the origin of the water used to make it.

If you have any symptoms of typhoid fever, go immediately to your family doctor, the nearest health center, or any private hospital.