Typhoid fever, caused by the bacterium Salmonella Typhi, continues to be a global health concern, especially in regions with poor sanitation and limited access to clean water. One major challenge with typhoid fever is that it is tough to diagnose because its clinical symptoms are quite similar to other pathogenic fevers.
Talking to the Onlymyhealth team, Dr Sanju Sidaraddi, Consultant, Pediatrician and Neonatologist, Motherhood Hospitals, Kharghar, Navi Mumbai, said that one major way to diagnose typhoid fever is to look at the patient’s history which can give a clearer picture of the risk factors of typhoid fever that the patient may have been exposed to.
Typhoid’s Rate Of Incidence And Recovery
The good news is that the incidence of typhoid fever is decreasing in India. “This is due to improved hygiene practices and awareness among the people across the globe, including India,” said Dr Sidaraddi. However, the exact incidence in India is not known due to inadequate reporting, he said. “Based on available estimates, around 4.5 million people experience typhoid fever annually in India, out of which 8,930 cases result in death,” he added.
Unique Risk Factors of Typhoid
One method that can help diagnose typhoid fever is looking at some of its unique risk factors. Dr Sidaraddi listed the unique risk factors of typhoid:
Travel History
A recent history of travel to endemic areas is a significant risk factor, said Dr Sidaraddi. He said, “People who have visited areas with poor sanitation and contaminated water sources are at higher risk of exposure to Salmonella Typhi.”
Contaminated Food and Water
Consuming food or water contaminated with Salmonella Typhi is a common mode of transmission, said Dr Sidaraddi. He said, “Risk factors include eating raw or undercooked shellfish, fruits, or vegetables washed with contaminated water.”
Close Contact with Carriers
Typhoid carriers, or individuals who harbour the bacteria without showing symptoms, can also transmit this infection. “One way of diagnosing typhoid fever is to check if the patient has any history of being in close contact with someone else who has had this disease,” said Dr Sidaraddi.
Age and Gender
Another risk factor of typhoid fever is age and gender. Dr Sidaraddi said, “Typhoid can affect people of all ages, but children and young adults are more susceptible. No specific gender predilection exists in this illness.”
Immune Status
According to Dr Sidaraddi, people with weakened immune systems due to malnutrition, HIV, or other conditions are at a higher risk of contracting typhoid. He said, “Proper nutrition and overall health play a role in susceptibility.”
Also Read: Here’s Why Is It Challenging To Diagnose Typhoid Fever
Dr Sidaraddi concluded that even if you have caught typhoid, appropriate antibiotic therapy and treatment can help most patients recover from this disease within a few days of the treatment. Full recovery from typhoid symptoms typically occurs within seven to 10 days. Remember that early diagnosis and timely treatment are crucial for a favourable outcome in typhoid cases. That is why all of us need to be aware of different aspects of this disease.