Typhoid Fever

Definition

Typhoid Fever is a disease caused by infection with the bacteria Salmonella typhi and

paratyphi.

Signs and symptoms

1. Fever that gets higher up to 40.5º Celsius

2. Headache

3. Weak body

4. Fatigue

5. dry cough

6. Decreased appetite

7. Weight loss

8. Stomach ache

9. Diarrhea or constipation

10. Red rash on the skin

Reason

The cause of typhoid fever is infection with the bacteria Salmonella typhi. These bacteria can

be transmitted through contaminated food or drink, as well as direct contact with sufferers.

Risk factor

1. Cleanliness is not maintained, for example living in a slum area

2. Work or travel to a country hit by a typhoid outbreak.

3. Having a profession as a medical professional, especially people who are directly in

contact with the Salmonella typhi bacteria

4. Contact with sufferers, for example people who live in the same house or medical staff in

a hospital

Diagnosis

Typhoid Fever Diagnosis:

1. Frequently Asked Questions

The doctor will ask about the symptoms experienced and the risk factors for typhoid that

the patient has.

2. Physical examination

The doctor will look for signs of typhoid fever on the patient's body, for example: a

reddish rash on the neck and abdomen.

3. Blood test

In most people with typhoid fever, blood tests will show results in the form of:

 Mild anemia

 Increased erythrocyte sedimentation rate

 Low platelets and lymphocytes

 Patients with typhoid fever may also experience elevated levels of liver enzymes and

bilirubin levels, as well as blood electrolyte imbalances.

4. Typhoid fever serology test

a. Widal test

b. Tubex test.

5. Typhoid fever antigen test

a. Culture
b. PCR (polymerase chain reaction) test

How to Treat

1. Drugs

Types of typhus drugs that are usually prescribed by doctors can be:

a. Antibiotics

b. Fever reducer

Examples of these drugs include paracetamol and ibuprofen.

2. Self care at home

 Get enough rest.

 Drink a lot of water.

 Eat regularly. If appetite decreases, the patient can try to eat smaller portions, but

more often.

 Keep hands clean by diligently washing hands, so patients can also prevent

transmission to others.

Prevention:

 Undergo typhoid vaccination.

 Do not eat raw or undercooked food.

 Only consume drinking water with guaranteed cleanliness. If not available, consume

bottled drinking water with the seal still intact or boil the water first before drinking.

 Wash your hands with clean water and soap, for example before eating, after going to

the toilet, and after traveling or gardening.

 Avoid consuming food with poor hygiene, such as food sold on the roadside.

 Eat fruits that can be peeled, such as oranges and bananas.