Typhoid Fever/Ileitis

Typhoid fever is a bacterial infection. Children can become very sick or even die without treatment.
Typhoid fever is common in countries with poor sanitation. The disease is rare in the developed world.

Signs and symptoms appear about seven to 14 days after catching the disease. Some children
may not become sick for as long as two months after exposure. Signs and symptoms of typhoid
fever may include:

 a persistent fever that rises gradually to 39°C to 40°C (102°F to 104°F)

 a headache
 a sore throat
 tiredness
 low energy
 stomach pain
 constipation
 diarrhea
 a temporary rash with raised pink spots on the stomach or chest

Causes
 Typhoid fever is caused by bacteria. The bacteria is most often found in food or water
contaminated by an infected person. Infection can also occur when food or drink is
served by an infected person who has not washed after using the bathroom.

Risk factors
 Your child may be at higher risk of infection if they travel in a country where the fever is
common. Having close contact with an infected person increases chances of infection.
Children with weak immune systems are also at a greater risk of getting sick.

Complications
If typhoid fever is not treated quickly, your child may become very ill. Intestinal bleeding or
other damage may occur. Other complications may include:

 severe weight loss

 severe diarrhea
 persistent high fever
 becoming unresponsive
 delirium or hallucinations
 Treatment

Your child's doctor will ask you about your child's signs and symptoms. If the doctor suspects typhoid
fever, your child may be admitted to hospital. Your child may need to give samples of stool, urine or
blood for testing. Your child will likely be treated with oral antibiotics. In severe cases, the antibiotics are
given intravenously.

Prevention
Prevention is the best way to protect your child against typhoid fever.

Here are some simple steps to reduce your child's chances of catching this infection.

Drink bottle water only

Contaminated drinking water is a common source of the infection. Stick to bottled water or
canned carbonated drinks.

Keep hands clean

Teach your child to wash hands frequently. Wash with warm, soapy water before eating food.
Also wash after using the toilet. Alcohol-based hand sanitizer can kill germs when water is not
available.

Only eat fruits and vegetables you can peel

Raw fruit or vegetables may have been washed in contaminated water. Only eat produce that can
be peeled, like bananas.

Vaccinations

There is a typhoid vaccine that can be used in children older than two years. Speak with your
doctor about the vaccinating your child.

Source: https://www.aboutkidshealth.ca/Article?contentid=902&language=English