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Typhoid fever, caused by the Salmonella Typhi bacterium, is a potentially life-threatening infection that spreads through contaminated food or water. Though uncommon in developed countries, it remains a serious health threat in regions with poor sanitation and limited access to clean drinking water.
What Is Typhoid Fever?
Typhoid fever, also known as enteric fever, is a bacterial infection spread mainly through ingestion of food or water contaminated with Salmonella Typhi. While it is rare in countries with modern water treatment systems and effective waste disposal, it continues to pose a major threat in parts of South Asia and sub-Saharan Africa.
Symptoms of typhoid fever usually begin gradually and worsen over several days. A persistent high fever, headache, abdominal pain, and constipation or diarrhoea are common signs.
The disease can be contracted through contaminated food and water, or through close contact with infected individuals or carriers who continue to shed the bacteria even after recovery. While vaccination offers some protection, it does not completely eliminate the risk. However, it is an important preventive measure especially for those living in or travelling to endemic regions.
What Are the Causes of Typhoid Fever?
The primary cause of typhoid fever is the ingestion of food or water contaminated with Salmonella Typhi, typically due to inadequate hygiene and sanitation practices.
Fecal-Oral Transmission
Salmonella Typhi is present in the faeces and sometimes urine of infected individuals. If proper hygiene is not practised, the bacteria can be passed on through contaminated hands, food, or water.
Contaminated Food and Water
In areas where water treatment and food safety are lacking, the bacteria can contaminate drinking water, fruits, vegetables, shellfish, and other foods. Even seemingly clean food can become a source of infection if handled by someone shedding the bacteria.
Poor Sanitation and Hygiene
Lack of adequate sewage disposal, handwashing facilities, and clean water supplies significantly contributes to the spread of typhoid. Places with overcrowded living conditions and poor public health infrastructure are especially vulnerable.
Person-to-Person Contact
Although less common, direct contact with infected individuals or chronic carriers especially those handling food or caring for others can spread the bacteria.
Environmental Persistence
Salmonella Typhi can survive for prolonged periods in soil, food, and water, making it a persistent threat in unhygienic environments.
What Are the Dangers of Typhoid Fever?
If left untreated, typhoid fever can lead to severe complications and even death. Prompt treatment with appropriate antibiotics usually leads to full recovery, but delays in diagnosis or access to care increase the risk of life-threatening outcomes.
Intestinal Complications
One of the most dangerous complications of typhoid is intestinal perforation, where holes form in the bowel wall, leading to peritonitis, a serious abdominal infection that may require emergency surgery. Bleeding within the gastrointestinal tract is also possible.
Neurological Issues
In some cases, the bacteria can affect the brain, resulting in confusion, delirium, and seizures.
How Can We Prevent Typhoid Fever?
Typhoid fever is preventable with appropriate hygiene practices, safe food and water habits, vaccination, and public health measures.
Vaccination
Vaccination is strongly recommended for individuals travelling to high-risk regions. While it does not guarantee complete immunity, it significantly reduces the risk of infection.
Drink Safe Water
Boil water or use bottled or filtered sources for drinking, brushing teeth, and washing food. Avoid ice from unverified sources.
Practise Proper Hand Hygiene
Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water, especially before meals and after using the toilet. Hand sanitisers may be used as an alternative when soap and water are unavailable.
Avoid High-Risk Foods
Steer clear of raw or undercooked foods, especially leafy greens, shellfish, and street food. Eat freshly cooked meals served hot and avoid food stored at room temperature.
Improve Sanitation
Proper sewage disposal and clean water infrastructure are critical to controlling outbreaks.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. How is typhoid fever diagnosed?
Typhoid is diagnosed through blood and stool to detect the presence of Salmonella Typhi.
2. Is typhoid contagious?
Yes. It spreads through the fecal-oral route. An infected person or carrier can transmit it through improper food handling or poor hygiene.
3. How effective is the typhoid vaccine?
Vaccines are effective and provide good protection. However, other preventive measures must still be practised.
4. Can you get typhoid fever more than once?
Yes. Immunity after an infection or vaccination is not lifelong, and reinfection can occur, especially if exposed again in high-risk environments.
5. What should I do if I suspect I have typhoid fever?
Seek immediate medical attention. Early antibiotic treatment significantly reduces complications.
Book an Appointment at Pantai Hospitals
Typhoid fever, a serious bacterial illness caused by Salmonella Typhi, is largely preventable with proper hygiene, safe water practices, and vaccination. Understanding its causes, recognising the symptoms, and knowing how to respond quickly are key to avoiding complications.
If you are planning to travel to an area where typhoid is common or have concerns about symptoms, our medical team is here to guide you every step of the way.
Do not wait—book your appointment today and start your journey toward better health. Our team is here to support you every step of the way. You may also book an appointment via our website or download our My Health 360 application from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store.
Pantai Hospitals have been accredited by the Malaysian Society for Quality in Health (MSQH) for its commitment to patient safety and service quality.
