Typhoid fever

What is typhoid fever?

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

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

If your child is showing symptoms of typhoid fever, take them to a doctor right away.

When treated, the symptoms usually subside several days after the start of antibiotics. Left untreated, typhoid fever can lead to severe illness, even death.

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.

What a doctor can do to help your child

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.

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

What you can do to help your child

Your child will likely take two to three weeks to fully recover. During this time, your child will need to rest and keep hydrated.

Monitor the fever and complete the antibiotics

The fever and any pain usually go away 48 hours after starting antibiotic therapy. It is important to complete the antibiotics to prevent recurrence, antibiotic resistance and complications. Acetaminophen or ibuprofen can be used to treat the fever or throat pain. DO NOT give your child acetylsalicylic acid (ASA).

Fluids

Offer your child water or other fluids to keep hydrated.

When to seek medical assistance

See your child's regular doctor right away if:

• you suspect your child has typhoid fever
• your child is sick and you have just returned from a developing country