This monsoon season brings with it many diseases, the biggest risk of which is mosquito-borne diseases. Every year a large number of people have to be admitted to hospitals due to diseases like dengue, malaria and chikungunya. Recent reports show that the risk of dengue is increasing in many states including Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Kerala.
People have also been warned about this in the capital Delhi-NCR. Health experts say that along with dengue, the risk of typhoid is also being seen more these days, due to which all people need to be cautious.
Is typhoid also a disease caused by mosquitoes? Is it also as dangerous as dengue? How can it be prevented? Let us understand this in detail.
Danger of typhoid along with dengue
According to media reports, with the onset of monsoon, cases of typhoid have also started increasing in the country. In many cities of Telangana, doctors are getting 5 to 6 cases daily in the hospital. In the capital, Delhi-NCR too, 700-800 patients are coming to the OPD daily with complaints of fever due to seasonal diseases. Along with dengue, people are also being made aware of the prevention of typhoid.
Typhoid fever is also called enteric fever, it is caused by salmonella bacteria. It is important to know here that typhoid is not spread by mosquito bites.
Know about typhoid infection
Health experts say, typhoid fever is caused by the consumption of food and water contaminated with salmonella bacteria. In many cases, close contact with an infected person can also lead to the risk of typhoid. Although most people suffering from typhoid fever recover in about a week with antibiotic treatment, however, if it is not treated properly on time, it can also lead to serious complications and death.
What are the symptoms of typhoid?
Symptoms of typhoid infection appear 1 to 3 weeks after exposure to the bacteria. It can include mild to high fever (104 degrees Fahrenheit), chills, headache, weakness and fatigue, muscle and abdominal pain, along with diarrhea or constipation. Some people also have skin rashes, loss of appetite, and sweating.
If left untreated, this disease can also cause intestinal problems after a few weeks. It can also cause abdominal swelling, infection due to intestinal bacteria spreading throughout the body (called sepsis), and confusion. Typhoid fever also carries a risk of intestinal damage and bleeding.
Treatment and prevention of typhoid
Antibiotics are the only effective treatment for typhoid fever. Vaccines are available to prevent typhoid which can reduce the risk of this infection. Typhoid can be prevented with the help of some measures in daily life.
The best way to control the infection is to take care of hand hygiene. Washing hands frequently can protect you from infection.
This infection spreads through contaminated water, so only boiled or filtered water should be consumed.
Avoid eating raw fruits and vegetables. Raw products may have been washed in contaminated water, so clean them thoroughly before using them.
Eat food only after cooking it properly. Avoid stale food.
If you have a fever for 2-3 days and it is not getting cured with normal medicines, then get a blood test done on the advice of the doctor.
(PC: ISTOCK)
