Typhoid fever is a serious illness caused by the bacterium Salmonella typhi. It primarily spreads through contaminated food and water and is more common in areas with poor sanitation. Children, especially those under 5, are particularly vulnerable to typhoid due to their developing immune systems and hygiene habits.
Symptoms of Typhoid in Children
High, persistent fever (often rising in stages)
Weakness and fatigue
Stomach pain
Diarrhea or constipation
Headache
Loss of appetite
Sometimes a rash of flat, rose-colored spots
How It Spreads
Contaminated food or water
Poor hygiene, such as not washing hands before eating
Close contact with someone who is infected or a carrier
Diagnosis
Blood, stool, or urine tests to detect Salmonella typhi
Widal test (less commonly used now due to accuracy concerns)
Treatment
Antibiotics: Prescribed by a doctor to kill the bacteria (e.g., azithromycin, ceftriaxone)
Hydration: Fluids to prevent dehydration
Nutrition: A light, nutritious diet to support recovery
Important: Antibiotic resistance is increasing, so proper diagnosis and adherence to prescribed treatment is critical.
Prevention in Children
Vaccination
Typhoid Conjugate Vaccine (TCV) is recommended by the WHO for children as young as 6 months in high-risk areas.
Offers long-lasting protection and can be given as part of routine immunizations.
Hygiene Practices
Handwashing with soap and clean water before eating and after using the toilet
Safe food handling and cooking
Clean Water
Boil or filter drinking water
Avoid street food or unwashed fruits/vegetables in high-risk areas
Keywords
6 months
typhoid due
highrisk areas
typhoid fever
unwashed fruitsvegetables
clean water
critical prevention
prescribed treatment
proper diagnosis
urine tests
washing hands
stages weakness
illness caused
primarily spreads
contaminated food
spreads contaminated food
eating close contact
water poor hygiene
poor sanitation children
light nutritious diet
prevent dehydration nutrition
flat rosecolored spots
constipation headache loss
hygiene habits symptoms
developing immune systems
bacterium salmonella typhi
