Typhoid+fever

Chelsea Schmidt & David Dombrow

=__Typhoid Fever__= Typhoid fever is a life-threatening infection that causes diarrhea and a rash. The infection is usually caused by a bacteria called Salmonella typhi, Around 400 cases of this infection are seen in the United States, 75% of these being due to international travel. Wordly, typhoid fever effects about 21.5 million people every year. Typhoid fever is common in most parts of the world except in industrialized regions like the United States, Canada, western Europe, Australia, and Japan. When traveling to these places it's best to take safety procautions if possible. Over the past 10 years, travelers from the United States to Asia, Africa, and Latin America have been especially at risk.

=__Symptoms__= Early symptoms typically include fever and abdominal pains. A high fever (ususally over 103 degrees fahrenheit), and severe diarrhea are seen as the desese progresses. Some people with typhoid fever develop a rash called "rose spots," which are small red spots on the abdomen and chest. Also symptoms can include stomach pains and weakness. Symptoms can appear 3 to 60 days after infection. If left undreated symptoms such as intestinal bleeding, hepatitis, meningitis, and even death may occur.



=__Treatment__= To help prevent contracting the fever it's recomended to be vaccinated when traveling outside of U.S., Canada, northern Europe, Australia, and New Zealand as well as during any epidemic outbreaks. Water treatement and protection of public food supplies is important for public health. Carries of the tyohoid fever are not alloud to work as a food handler.

As treatment for typhoid fever fluids and electrolytes may be given through a vein, or you may be asked to drink clean water with electrolyte packet. Antibiotics are also given to fight the bacteria. The prescribed antibiotics are usually ampicillin, trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, and ciprofloxacin. Those who get treatment are expected to feel better within 2 to 3 days. Death rarely occurs although if left untreated the fever can last for weeks or months. In these cases around 20% of people die due to complications of the fever.

Even though the symptoms may dissapear with treatment, stay on the antibiotics as long as the doctor asks as you can still pass the fever onto others. Make sure to wash your hands with soap and water and do not prepare or serve food for anyone. Have your doctor perform a series of stool tests to ensure that no Salmonella Typhi bacteria remain in your bod

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