Why in news?
Gandhinagar has reported a sudden surge of suspected typhoid cases (around 100–113), with many patients admitted to the civil hospital, especially children.​The contamination is traced to pipeline leaks and drainage repair work, leading to mixing of sewage with drinking water in affected localities.​
About Typhoid
Typhoid is a serious bacterial infection caused by Salmonella Typhi, spread mainly through contaminated food and water. It leads to prolonged fever, abdominal pain, and can be fatal if untreated.
- Cause: Typhoid fever is caused by Salmonella Typhi bacteria.
- Transmission: It spreads through ingestion of food or water contaminated with feces from an infected person.
- Global burden: Around 9 million people fall ill annually, with about 110,000 deaths worldwide.
Symptoms
- Prolonged high fever
- Fatigue and weakness
- Headache and nausea
- Abdominal pain
- Constipation or diarrhea
- Sometimes a rash (rose spots)
Severe cases can lead to complications like intestinal perforation, bleeding, or even death.
Risk Factors
- Travelers to Africa, Asia, or Latin America where typhoid is common.
- Living in or visiting rural areas with poor sanitation.
- Unvaccinated individuals are at higher risk.
- In India, outbreaks often occur during monsoon and post-monsoon seasons due to unsafe water supply.
Prevention & Treatment
- Antibiotics are the main treatment, but resistance is increasing, making management more complex.
- Vaccination: WHO recommends typhoid conjugate vaccines for children (from 6 months) and adults up to 45–65 years depending on the vaccine.
- Safe practices:
- Drink boiled or filtered water
- Eat freshly cooked food
- Wash hands regularly
Risks & Challenges
- Antibiotic resistance is a growing global threat, making treatment harder.
- Poor sanitation infrastructure in many regions increases outbreak frequency.
- Delayed treatment can lead to life-threatening complications.
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