Information From Your Health Care Provider

TYPHOID FEVER

Basic information

description

Typhoid fever is a bacterial infection of the gastrointestinal tract and bloodstream. In the United States, people affected have usually been traveling internationally.

FREQUENT SIGNS & SYMPTOMS

Fever, headache, fatigue.
Constipation and dry cough. Diarrhea is less common.
Bloated abdomen with some discomfort and loss of appetite.
Confusion and feeling listless.
Rash (rose spots) on the front of the body.
Eye symptoms, such as vision changes (sometimes).
Later symptoms may include foul smelling diarrhea, weight loss, weakness, slow pulse, rapid breathing, delirium, and others.

causes

Infection with Salmonella typhi, a type of bacteria. The infection is spread by persons who are ill with the infection, or carriers who have been ill and recovered, but still carry the germs. You can become ill if you eat food or drink beverages prepared by one of these persons. Also, the germs may get into sewage and contaminate water that is used for drinking or washing foods. Shellfish from contaminated water or canned meat prepared improperly can cause outbreaks of the infection. Symptoms may appear 10 to 20 days after exposure.

risk increases with

Travel to developing countries.
Weak immune system due to illness or drugs.

PREVENTIVE MEASURES

For travel to countries where typhoid is present, consider typhoid vaccine (injection or oral form). It is not 100% protective, so take precautions with food and water. During travel, avoid tap water, salad and raw vegetables, unpeeled fruits, and dairy products. Follow the advice: "boil it, cook it, peel it, or forget it.".
Wash your hands after using the bathroom and before handling food.

expected outcomes

Usually curable in 2 to 3 weeks with treatment. Relapse may occur in 10–20% of patients. Treatment is repeated.

possible complications

Perforation of the intestines.
Gastrointestinal hemorrhage or abscess.
Pneumonia.
Bone infection.
Congestive heart failure.
Without treatment, it can be fatal.

diagnosis & treatment

general measures

Your health care provider will do a physical exam and ask about your symptoms and recent travel. Medical tests are usually done to confirm the diagnosis.
Hospital care is needed for severe cases; others can be cared for at home. Follow any special instructions provided for preventing infection from being spread to other persons.
Use a heating pad or warm compress to relieve abdominal cramps.
Wash hands carefully and often.
People in certain types of jobs, such as food handlers, health care, or childcare workers, will need to be tested for the germs before they can resume their usual work. They need three negative tests.
Surgery may be needed in severe cases if complications occur, such as bleeding or an abscess.
To learn more: CDC (Centers for Disease Control & Prevention); (800) 232-4636; website: www.cdc.gov.

medications

Antibiotics will be prescribed. They may be given by injection or taken by mouth.
For severe cases, steroids will be prescribed in addition to antibiotics.
Eye symptoms may require eyedrops or ointments.

activity

Bed rest is necessary until all symptoms have been gone at least 3 days. The legs should be moved often in bed to prevent deep vein blood clots from forming.