Telangana Hospitals Report Increase In Typhoid Cases: Key Symptoms To Watch

Typhoid, caused by the Salmonella bacteria, is a serious health condition that can severely affect children in regions where it is common. Telangana has seen a rise in typhoid cases, with doctors reporting 5 to 6 daily cases in hospitals.

Dr. Shankar, Superintendent of Government Fever Hospital, noted an increase in outpatients due to seasonal diseases, with 800 cases daily presenting symptoms such as cold, cough, body pains, vomiting, and diarrhea.

Typhoid is a significant health concern in areas where it is prevalent, often spreading through contaminated food and water. Close contact with an infected person can also lead to transmission. While vaccines can provide some protection against typhoid fever, they do not prevent all cases, especially those caused by other Salmonella strains. Nonetheless, vaccination can help reduce the risk of contracting typhoid fever.

Symptoms of Typhoid

Typhoid fever, caused by the bacterium ‘Salmonella Typhi’, presents a range of symptoms that typically develop 1 to 3 weeks after infection. The disease often begins with mild symptoms that progressively worsen. Key symptoms include:

• High Fever: The fever starts low and gradually increases, potentially reaching up to 104°F (40°C).
• Headache: A persistent headache often accompanies the fever.
• Fatigue: Patients frequently experience extreme tiredness and general malaise.
• Abdominal Pain: Discomfort in the stomach is common, with some experiencing severe pain.
• Gastrointestinal Issues: Symptoms may include diarrhea or constipation, along with nausea.
• Rash: Some individuals may develop a rash, particularly in the later stages of the illness.
• Cough: A mild cough can also occur as part of the symptomatology.

If untreated, symptoms can worsen significantly over weeks, leading to severe complications.

Risk Factors of Typhoid

Certain populations are at a higher risk of contracting typhoid fever, particularly in areas with poor sanitation and limited access to clean water. Key risk factors include:

• Travel to Endemic Areas: Individuals traveling to regions where typhoid is common, such as South Asia, Africa, and parts of Central and South America, are at increased risk.
• Close Contact with Infected Individuals: Living with or caring for someone infected withnTyphiod raises the risk of transmission.
• Children: Young children are more susceptible to severe cases of typhoid fever due to their developing immune systems.

Complications of Typhoid

If left untreated, typhoid fever can lead to serious complications, some of which can be life-threatening. Notable complications include:

• Intestinal Damage: This can manifest as bleeding or perforation of the intestines, leading to peritonitis and sepsis.
• Myocarditis: Inflammation of the heart muscle can occur, affecting cardiac function.
• Endocarditis: Infection of the heart valves can develop, posing severe health risks.
• Pneumonia: Lung infections may arise as a secondary complication.
• Kidney or Bladder Infections: These can occur due to the spread of bacteria.
• Neurological Issues: Severe cases may lead to delirium, hallucinations, or other psychiatric symptoms.

Timely medical intervention with antibiotics is crucial to prevent these complications and improve recovery outcomes.