Rwanda: Complications of Typhoid Fever

analysis

Typhoid is a disease caused due to infection by the microbe called Salmonella typhi. Someone suffering from typhoid fever passes the germs along with his stool and this may gain entry in the body of a healthy person due to consumption of contaminated food or water. After entry in the body, it causes infection and inflammation of the small intestines.

Typhoid fever is a major international health threat regardless of age, race or background. The illness is manifested in the form of high fever which usually remains high unless treated actively. This is associated with either diarrhea or constipation and vomiting with abdominal pain. Due to the high fever itself, one can develop delirium (state of confusion) and convulsions. Release of toxins by the microbes in the blood stream can lead to septic shock which needs urgent intervention and resuscitation of the patient to prevent death. The coverings of the brain may get infected as the germs reach there through the blood stream and cause meningitis. Involvement of the brain stem can lead to encephalopathy due to which the patient becomes unconscious or comatosed.

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