Typhoid Fever: Symptoms, Causes, Stages and Treatment

By Medical Expert Team

Sep 20 , 2024 | 10 min read

Typhoid, a potentially life-threatening illness, is primarily transmitted through contaminated food and water. Typhoid fever is most commonly found in regions with poor sanitation and limited access to clean water.

Typhoid fever remains a significant global health concern, particularly in developing countries, where approximately 11 to 21 million cases are reported each year. In India alone, typhoid fever incidence rates varied from 12 to 1622 cases per 100,000 child-years (6 months to 14 years) and 108 to 970 cases per 100,000 person-years (15 years or older) from 2017 through 2020.

The causative agent of typhoid, Salmonella typhi, is a bacterial pathogen. It spreads through contaminated food and water, leading to high fever, abdominal pain and potentially life-threatening complications if untreated. Lack of proper hygiene practices and inadequate sanitation infrastructure contribute to its prevalence.

Symptoms of Typhoid Fever

Typhoid fever is a serious bacterial infection. It is important to be aware of the symptoms so that one can seek medical attention promptly. Here are the common typhoid symptoms:

Loss of Appetite

A significant decrease in appetite is a common symptom of typhoid fever. This can lead to weight loss and a general feeling of weakness.

Cough

Some individuals with typhoid fever may experience a persistent cough, which can be mild or severe.

Weakness or Severe Fatigue

Fatigue is a typical symptom of typhoid fever. One may feel tired and weak even with minimal physical activity.

Diarrhoea

Diarrhoea is another prominent symptom of typhoid fever. It can be accompanied by abdominal pain and cramps.

Headaches

Many people with typhoid fever experience headaches, which can range from mild to severe. These headaches may persist throughout the illness.

Muscle Aches or Pains

Muscle aches and pains are common symptoms of typhoid fever. One might experience soreness in the muscles, making movement uncomfortable.

Abdominal Pain

Typhoid fever can cause abdominal pain, especially in the area around the belly button. This pain may worsen as the disease progresses.

Constipation

In some cases, constipation may occur instead of diarrhoea. This change in bowel movements should be noted and discussed with a medical professional.

High Fever

One of the hallmark symptoms of typhoid fever is a high fever that gradually increases over several days. The temperature can reach 103°F (39.5°C) or higher.

Causes of Typhoid Fever

Typhoid is primarily transmitted through contaminated food and water, making it a significant public health concern. Understanding the causes of typhoid fever can help take necessary precautions to prevent its spread.

Role of Salmonella typhi Causing Typhoid

Salmonella typhi is a bacterium that lives exclusively in humans and is responsible for causing typhoid fever. The bacteria are usually present in the faeces and urine of infected individuals. The main mode of transmission is through the ingestion of food or water contaminated with the bacteria.

Factors Contributing to the Spread of the Disease

Lack of access to clean drinking water: In communities where access to clean and safe drinking water is limited, there is a higher risk of contamination and spread of typhoid fever.

Poor sanitation practices: Improper disposal of human waste, lack of handwashing facilities and inadequate sewage systems can contribute to the spread of the bacteria.

Unhygienic food handling: Contamination can occur during food preparation if proper hygiene practices, such as washing hands before handling food or using utensils that have come into contact with contaminated surfaces, are not followed.

Travel to endemic areas: People travelling to regions where typhoid fever is prevalent may be at a higher risk due to exposure to contaminated food and water sources.

Stages of Typhoid Fever

Typhoid fever is a serious and potentially life-threatening illness. Understanding the stages of typhoid fever can help in early detection and timely treatment. Let's take a closer look at each stage:

Stage I: Incubation Period (10-14 days)

During this stage, the bacteria multiply in the bloodstream and travel to various organs, including the liver, spleen and lymph nodes. However, there might not be any noticeable symptoms during this phase.

Stage II: Onset of Symptoms (1-2 weeks)

As the bacteria continue to multiply, symptoms start to appear. This stage is characterised by:

Gradual onset of high fever
Weakness and fatigue
Headache
Abdominal pain
Loss of appetite
Diarrhoea or constipation
Appearance of “rose spots,” small pink dots on the skin that look like a rash

Stage III: Peak of Illness (2-3 weeks)

In this stage, the symptoms become more severe. Common signs include:

High fever persisting for several days
Severe abdominal pain
Profuse sweating
Delirium or confusion

Stage IV: Recovery or Complications (4-6 weeks)

At this point, most patients start to recover with appropriate medical treatment. However, if left untreated, complications can arise, such as:

Intestinal bleeding or perforation
Pneumonia or respiratory complications
Encephalitis or inflammation of the brain
Kidney problems

Risk Factors of Typhoid Fever

Typhoid fever is a serious infectious disease. While anyone can get typhoid fever, certain factors may increase the risk of contracting the disease. Let's take a closer look at these risk factors.

Travelling to high-risk areas: People who travel to regions with poor sanitation and limited access to clean water are more likely to be exposed to the bacteria that cause typhoid fever. This includes many developing countries in Asia, Africa and Latin America.
Consumption of contaminated food or water: Eating or drinking something that has been contaminated with the bacteria is a common way to contract typhoid fever. Consuming food or water from street vendors or establishments with poor hygiene practices increases the risk.
Lack of immunisation: Individuals who have not received the typhoid vaccine are more susceptible to the disease. This is especially true for those living in or travelling to high-risk areas.
Close contact with infected individuals: Direct contact with someone who is infected with typhoid fever increases the risk of transmission. This can occur through close personal contact or by sharing utensils, towels or other personal items.
Poor sanitation and hygiene practices: Living in unsanitary conditions and practising poor hygiene, such as inadequate handwashing, increases the risk of contracting typhoid fever.

Potential Risk Factors Associated with Typhoid Fever

To effectively address the risk factors associated with typhoid fever, it is important to understand the potential sources of infection. Here are some key steps one can take to minimise the risks and complications of this disease:

Improve sanitation: Ensuring access to clean water and promoting good hygiene practices are crucial in preventing the spread of typhoid fever. This includes proper handwashing with soap and clean water, safe food handling and maintaining hygienic living conditions.
- Vaccination: The typhoid vaccine is an effective preventive measure that can significantly reduce the risk of infection. It is recommended for individuals travelling to high-risk areas or those who work in environments where they may come into contact with the bacteria.
Safe food and water practices: Consuming contaminated food or water is one of the main ways typhoid fever spreads. To minimise the risk, it is important to drink only boiled or bottled water, avoid raw or undercooked foods and opt for freshly prepared meals from reputable sources.
Travel precautions: When travelling to regions with a high prevalence of typhoid fever, individuals should consider taking extra precautions, such as avoiding street food, consuming only bottled water and maintaining good hygiene throughout their trip.
Awareness and early detection: Educating communities about the symptoms of typhoid fever can help in early detection and prompt treatment. Common symptoms include high fever, headache, stomach pain, weakness, and loss of appetite. If individuals experience any of these symptoms following potential exposure to contaminated food or water, they should promptly seek medical attention.

Preventive Measures for Typhoid Fever

Typhoid is most commonly spread through contaminated food and water. While the disease can be severe, there are preventive measures that can be taken to reduce the risk of infection.

Be Careful of What You Eat and Drink

It is crucial to be cautious about the quality and safety of the food and drinks one consumes.

Avoid consuming raw or undercooked foods, especially meat, eggs and seafood, as they may carry the bacteria that cause typhoid fever.
Choose pasteurised dairy products over unpasteurised ones.
Drink only bottled or boiled water, and avoid ice cubes from unknown sources.
Be mindful of street food stalls where hygiene practices may be questionable.

Importance of Sanitation and Hygiene Practices

Proper sanitation and good personal hygiene are key to preventing the spread of typhoid fever.
Wash the hands thoroughly with soap and clean water before preparing or eating food, after using the toilet and after handling items potentially contaminated with bacteria.
Encourage others to follow proper handwashing practices as well.

Recommendations for Travellers to Endemic Areas

Planning to travel to an area where typhoid fever is common? It is highly recommended to take extra precautions.
Consult a medical professional before travelling for advice on vaccinations and preventive measures specific to the destination.
Avoid consuming tap water or using it for brushing.
Use bottled or boiled water for drinking, cooking and brushing teeth during your trip.

Typhoid Vaccines

Vaccines are available that can provide protection against typhoid fever.
Two types of vaccines are commonly used: the injectable vaccine and the oral vaccine.
It is important for individuals to consult with their Typhoid doctors to determine which vaccine is most suitable based on their age, health status and travel plans.

Diagnosis of Typhoid Fever

Diagnosing typhoid fever can be challenging as its symptoms are similar to other common illnesses. However, medical professionals have several methods to accurately diagnose this bacterial infection. Here are the primary ways typhoid fever is diagnosed:

Medical History: Doctors will ask about the patient's symptoms and medical history, including recent travel to areas with a high incidence of typhoid fever.
Physical Examination: A thorough physical examination will be conducted to check for signs of typhoid fever, such as a high fever, rash and abdominal tenderness.
Blood Tests: Blood samples will be collected and analysed to look for specific antibodies or bacteria associated with typhoid fever. The Widal test is commonly used to detect these antibodies.
Stool Culture: A stool sample may be required to identify the presence of Salmonella typhi bacteria in the digestive system.
Urine Culture: In some cases, a urine sample may be collected to check for the bacteria associated with typhoid fever.

Typhoid Fever Treatment

Typhoid fever is caused by the bacterium Salmonella typhi, and antibiotic therapy is the mainstay of treatment. When it comes to successful typhoid fever treatment, completing the prescribed antibiotic course is of utmost importance. Here's why:

Eliminating bacteria: Typhoid fever is a bacterial infection that affects the intestines and bloodstream. Antibiotics help in killing the bacteria responsible for this infection.
Preventing antibiotic resistance: Incomplete antibiotic courses can contribute to the development of antibiotic-resistant strains of bacteria. By completing the prescribed course, the risk of antibiotic resistance is reduced, ensuring an effective typhoid treatment.
Avoiding relapses: Even if symptoms subside, some bacteria may still be present in the patient's body. By completing the full course of antibiotics, the chance of a relapse or recurrence of typhoid fever is minimised.

Conclusion

Typhoid is a severe illness caused by Salmonella typhi, primarily transmitted through contaminated food and water, often in areas with poor sanitation. Recognising its symptoms; practising preventive measures like good hygiene, clean water and properly cooked food; considering vaccination for at-risk individuals and understanding the importance of early treatment with antibiotics are paramount to combat the disease. Raising awareness is essential to reduce the disease's impact, and by working together, society can strive for a healthier, typhoid-free future. Public health is of great importance, so individuals should stay informed and take proactive steps for protection.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How Many Days of Rest is Recommended After Typhoid?

After recovering from typhoid fever, it's advisable to rest for at least two to four weeks to regain strength.

2. What Food Should Be Avoided in Typhoid?

During typhoid recovery, avoid raw or undercooked food, street food and dairy products to prevent foodborne infection. Stick to well-cooked meals and clean water.