Saturday, October 20, 2007 ‘Typhoid Mary’ By Dr. Elizabeth Bagares-Poyogao Pediacosset
MANY people often associate fever with the dengue virus. With several dengue cases emerging nowadays, I wouldn't blame the parents if they suspect that their children have dengue fever infection. But not many of you know that there's another type of infection that also presents with several days of high grade fever and seems like dengue fever at a first glance but somehow differs when you examine closely. The infection called Typhoid Fever.
An outbreak of typhoid fever happened years ago in 1906 when a cook named Mary became a suspect of infecting several people. Hence the name, "Typhoid Mary."
Typhoid fever is not so popular compared to dengue fever but it is considered as a serious health threat in our place.
It occurs both in children and adults with no sex predilection. It is an infection mostly of the intestinal tract. You will get typhoid fever through infected food, drinks and rarely through direct contact with an infected person.
You are at risk if you travel to typhoid fever-endemic areas and if you have weak resistance against infection. When infected, you are likely to experience non-specific signs and symptoms such as high grade fever, body malaise, headache, abdominal pain and distension. Rarely, do constipation or diarrhea will occur.
There is a typical rash for typhoid fever called "rose spots." These are small, flat, rose-colored skin lesions found on the chest or abdomen. Unlike dengue fever rash, these "rose spots" are not itchy and disappears in a few days. The signs and symptoms of typhoid fever appear within 1-3 weeks. To confirm the diagnosis, a series of blood, urine and stool examinations are done.
Unlike dengue fever which is a self-limiting infection, typhoid fever can be treated with antibiotics. Management also includes supportive and symptomatic measures. Proper hydration is very important to prevent dehydration. If left untreated, this infection will cause bleeding from the intestines and eventually death.
To prevent and control typhoid fever, there is no substitute in proper hand washing. This is by far the best way to control infection. Be sure to wash your hands before eating and after using the toilet. As much as possible, eat well-cooked food. Avoid raw foods that are washed with plain, untreated water. In fact, drink water that is properly treated. Boiled, distilled, bottled water are safer. If you are a carrier or have recovered from the infection, as much as possible, avoid preparing food for others. Wash your hands often and have separate eating utensils for your self alone. This way, you will not be infecting others with the typhoid bacteria.
A vaccine is available but is generally reserved for people traveling in endemic areas. However, it is not 100% protective so strict attention to food and water precautions is the most effective preventive method.
Now you know that not all fever is caused by the dengue virus. Think also of the typhoid bacteria. It is just waiting to be discovered immensely by you.
