Some people think that typhoid fever is caused by mosquito bites. But the truth is that it is caused by a microorganism, the typhoid bacillus. It is transmitted from infected food, milk, or contaminated water. It can be spread by flies or by direct contact with infected materials.
Symptoms are similar to dysentery, although constipation may be an early symptom along with the fever, before a rash, abdominal pain and diarrhea appear. The disease is more serious than dysentery but responds well to antibiotics like chloramphenicol, ampicillin or ciproxin.
A person who once got sick with typhoid fever may still carry the live microorganisms in his/her body. One may appear healthy and recovered from the disease but only a series of stool examinations can tell. So, if you have typhoid fever, you should submit to a series of stool examination to insure that the typhoid germs are no longer present in your body.
To prevent the spread of typhoid fever, you may do these four things. First, tell your family members that water should be purified and milk should be pasteurized. Next, as much as possible, avoid handling any food at home. Third, It is also helpful to have booster shots against disease.
The early recognition of the symptoms also helps control its spread. Thus, you must be isolated from the healthy people.
