}
Typhoid
Description
Typhoid fever is a contagious bacterial disease caused by the bacterium Salmonella typhi.
Typhoid is a bacterial infection that can lead to a high fever, diarrhoea, and vomiting. It can be fatal. It is caused by the bacteria Salmonella typhi.
The infection is often passed on through contaminated food and drinking water, and it is more prevalent in places where handwashing is less frequent. It can also be passed on by carriers who do not know they carry the bacteria.
Symptoms
Symptoms normally begin between 6 and 30 days after exposure to the bacteria. The two major symptoms of typhoid are fever and rash.
Causes
Typhoid is caused by the bacteria S. typhi and spread through food, drinks, and drinking water that are contaminated with infected faecal matter. Washing fruit and vegetables can spread it, if contaminated water is used.
Treatment
The only effective treatment for typhoid is antibiotics. The most commonly used are ciprofloxacin (for non-pregnant adults) and ceftriaxone. Other than antibiotics, it is important to rehydrate by drinking adequate water.
