How To Prevent Dengue And Typhoid Co-infection During Monsoon

During the monsoon, symptoms like fever, fatigue, headache, and abdominal pain can indicate various conditions, from a stomach infection or flu to the more concerning typhoid. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), typhoid fever, caused by the bacterium Salmonella typhi, is a life-threatening condition that caused an estimated 9 million infections in 2019 and results in 110,000 deaths annually.

Similarly, fever, fatigue, and headache can also signify dengue, which spreads through the bites of infected Aedes mosquitoes. So how can you differentiate between these illnesses, and what steps can you take to prevent them?

Also Read: Monsoon Woes: How To Prevent Typhoid Fever This Rainy Season?

Risk Of Typhoid And Dengue Coinfection

Co-infection refers to a condition in which an individual gets infected with two or more pathogens.

Dr Parimala V Thirumalesh, Senior Consultant - Neonatology and Paediatrics, Aster CMI Hospital, Bengaluru, says, "Co-infection with typhoid fever and dengue fever is a rare occurrence, but not entirely impossible.”

According to a 2014 study published in the Journal of Clinical and Diagnostic Research, researchers examined 659 febrile sera samples, of which 141 tested positive for dengue. This included 91 females and 50 males, of whom 11 were co-infected with typhoid fever.

Both of these diseases are commonly found in tropical and subtropical areas. While typhoid fever is caused by the bacterium Salmonella typhi and is primarily spread through contaminated food and water, dengue fever is caused by the dengue virus and is transmitted by female mosquitoes.

“Despite the differences in transmission, co-infections can still take place in areas where both diseases are prevalent, especially during the monsoon season when the risk factors for both diseases coincide, such as flooding, poor sanitation, and increased mosquito breeding,” Dr Thirumalesh points out.

How To Distinguish Between Typhoid And Dengue Fever?

Dengue and typhoid share many similar symptoms, including high fever, severe fatigue, headaches, and general body aches. This often makes it difficult to differentiate between the two without proper medical testing. 

However, dengue often presents with severe joint and muscle pain, while patients with typhoid may experience abdominal pain and weakness.

Additionally, dengue can cause a rash, usually appearing a few days after the fever starts, whereas a rose-coloured rash is characteristic of typhoid fever. In more severe cases, dengue may cause mild bleeding from the nose or gums, whereas typhoid fever does not lead to such issues.

Also Read: What Are The Unique Risk Factors of Typhoid Fever? Expert Shares Ways That Can Help Diagnose Typhoid

How To Prevent Typhoid And Dengue Co-infection?

Both typhoid and dengue fever can be prevented with proper measures.

When it comes to typhoid, it usually spreads in places with poor sanitation and a lack of safe drinking water. Therefore, some of the preventive tips include:

• Ensuring safe, clean drinking water
• Maintaining proper sanitation
• Avoiding street foods and ensuring hygiene among food handlers
• Getting a typhoid vaccination

On the other hand, the best way to prevent dengue is by protecting yourself from getting bitten by mosquitoes. Some of the ways to do that are:

• Using mosquito repellent
• Wearing loose-fitting, long-sleeved shirts and pants
• Reducing mosquito breeding by eliminating standing water

Conclusion

Although rare, co-infection with dengue and typhoid can occur in people, especially during monsoons when the infection risk is much higher. To prevent the condition, a combination of preventive measures need to be taken. While ensuring access to clean drinking water and maintaining proper sanitation can help reduce the risk of typhoid, using mosquito repellents, wearing protective clothing, and eliminating standing water can help prevent dengue. Moreover, recognising the symptoms and seeking prompt medical attention is crucial.