Typhoid Fever: Causes, Symptoms and Treatment in Nepal

Typhoid is a bacterial infection caused by a bacteria named Salmonella enterica typhi . The bacteria is transmitted through the contaminated foods and water which enters into the gastrointestinal tract and begins to multiply showing different systemic symptoms like high and continuous fever, nausea or vomiting, headaches, and malaise.

Prevalence of Typhoid

According to WHO, estimated between 11 and 21 million people suffer from typhoid and 128 000 to 161 000 typhoid-related deaths occur annually worldwide.

The disease commonly occurs in many Southeast Asian countries as well as in Africa, Central and South America, and Western Pacific countries in areas where there are poor sanitation and sewage management.

In Nepal, Typhoid fever most commonly seen during Monsoon rainy season.

What are causes of Typhoid?

The main causative agent is Salmonella typhi, which get transmitted among people through:

• Contaminated food and water.
• The causative agent (Salmonella typhi) is passed in the feces and sometimes in the urine of infected people. We can contact the infection if we eat food handled by someone with typhoid fever who hasn’t washed carefully after using the toilet.

What are the symptoms of Typhoid?

First Week

• Fever often up to 104 F
• Abdominal pain
• Constipation or pea soup diarrhea
• Malaise

Second Week

• Mild hepatomegaly
• bradycardia
• Rose spots on body

Third Week

• Prolonged apathy
• Toxemia
• Delirium
• Disorientation
• If medical treatment is not taken in this stage then there is high risk of: Intestinal hemorrhage and perforation.

Fourth Week

Week of convalescence

Need to See a Doctor for Typhoid Vaccine or Treatment in Kathmandu Nepal?

Call Clinic One Kathmandu at 015400400, 9863393960/61 or Email us at [email protected] to book an appointment.

How can you prevent and treat Typhoid in Nepal?

Since Typhoid fever is a serious condition, anyone experiencing the symptoms should immediately contact a physician.

Medical Treatment of Typhoid Include:

• Oral rehydration therapy
• Antibiotic therapy

Preventative Methods of Typhoid

As we know ‘Prevention is better than cure, we should first try to prevent ourselves from the contamination.

1. Wash hands properly using soap and water each time after using toilets, before and after each meal.
2. Use of clean and safe drinking water.
3. Wash fruits and vegetables properly before eating and cooking.
4. Vaccine: There are two types of Typhoid vaccines available; the inactivated injectable vaccine (lasting 2-3 years) and the live attenuated oral vaccine (lasting 5-7 years).