Typhoid fever is a highly contagious bacterial disease that happens when a person consumes food or water contaminated with Salmonella Typhi. Without prompt treatment , the disease may affect various organs bringing about serious complications which may be fatal. According to WHO, Southeast Asia is known to have one of the highest rates of typhoid fever along with the Indian subcontinent, Africa and South America.

Typhoid fever was first identified in 1880 when an Irish immigrant Mary Mallon christened as “Typhoid Mary” who worked as a cook in NY believed to have infected between 51 to 122 people. Mary acted as carrier to the deadly disease but was not affected neither in anyway did she appear sick. It is theorized that she likely passed along the bacteria by failing to wash her hands before handling food.

Prevent infection and spread of Salmonella Typhi by getting vaccinated !

Typhoid fever is treated with antibiotics which kill the Salmonella bacteria. Prior to the use of antibiotics, the fatality rate was 20%. Death occurred from overwhelming infection, pneumonia, intestinal bleeding, or intestinal perforation. With antibiotics and supportive care, mortality has been reduced to 1%-2%. With appropriate antibiotic therapy, there is usually improvement within one to two days and recovery within seven to 10 days.

Content created and supplied by: DavidNefasauloo (via Opera News )