Typhoid (also known as enteric fever) is a contagious bacterial infection that affects several organs in the body. Typhoid is typically spread through contact with infected urine and faeces. When typhoid is not treated, it can lead to complications or death.
Typhoid is caused by the Salmonella typhi and paratyphi bacteria that is present in urine and faeces. This highly contagious infection is easily transmitted from person to person through contaminated drink and food.
In most cases the incubation period of Typhoid is 7 to 12 days, it can sometimes take up to 20 days before symptoms become pronounced.
Besides featuring prominently as a public health problem in West Africa, Typhoid and malaria have some symptoms in common.
SYMPTOMS
1. Loss of appetite
2. High fevers
3. Rashes on the chest and abdomen
4. Constipation or diarrhoea (bloody stools in rare cases)
5. Head and body aches
6. Severe fatigue
7. Sweating
8. Weakness
Prevention
Below are some health tips for preventing typhoid
1. Wash your hands properly
• After changing a baby’s nappy
• After taking care of sick people
• After using the toilet
• After working in the garden
• Before and after handling food
2. Avoid drinking untreated water
If you are visiting a place with a possibly contaminated water source, drink only bottled water.
3. Avoid raw vegetables and fruits
Vegetables like lettuce and cabbage are good vehicles of this bacteria because of their ability to retain contaminated water even when washed with clean water.
When you visit places with poor sanitation, it is best you cross raw food off your menu.
4. Buy hot foods
When eating out, avoid food that is served at room temperature, instead go for hot meals.
Typhoid remains a pandemic in the world especially Africa.
Thank you!
Typhoid is caused by the Salmonella typhi and paratyphi bacteria that is present in urine and faeces. This highly contagious infection is easily transmitted from person to person through contaminated drink and food.
In most cases the incubation period of Typhoid is 7 to 12 days, it can sometimes take up to 20 days before symptoms become pronounced.
Besides featuring prominently as a public health problem in West Africa, Typhoid and malaria have some symptoms in common.
SYMPTOMS
1. Loss of appetite
2. High fevers
3. Rashes on the chest and abdomen
4. Constipation or diarrhoea (bloody stools in rare cases)
5. Head and body aches
6. Severe fatigue
7. Sweating
8. Weakness
Prevention
Below are some health tips for preventing typhoid
1. Wash your hands properly
• After changing a baby’s nappy
• After taking care of sick people
• After using the toilet
• After working in the garden
• Before and after handling food
2. Avoid drinking untreated water
If you are visiting a place with a possibly contaminated water source, drink only bottled water.
3. Avoid raw vegetables and fruits
Vegetables like lettuce and cabbage are good vehicles of this bacteria because of their ability to retain contaminated water even when washed with clean water.
When you visit places with poor sanitation, it is best you cross raw food off your menu.
4. Buy hot foods
When eating out, avoid food that is served at room temperature, instead go for hot meals.
Typhoid remains a pandemic in the world especially Africa.
Thank you!
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