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Typhoid is a bacterial infection.
This may lead to high grade fever, diarrhea and vomiting.
By Mahmood Hussain, Monday 05th August 2019, the article is written for www.babyfirst.com.pk BABY FIRST PAKISTAN and on Facebook.babyfirstPakistan and other social media such as LinkedIn, Twitter and so on. Writer Mahmood Hussain is from Karachi Pakistan.
In our region that is comprising of Pakistan, India and Bangladesh are mostly effected by Typhoid and paratyphoid mostly observe during hot weather and in monsoon season,
If typhoid and paratyphoid fever are not treated properly this can be fatal and life threatening.
This is due to the bacteria known as Salmonella Serotype Typhi and Salmonella Serotype Paratyphi.
This is often transmitted and spread through contaminated food and by drinking contaminated water or beverages or juices.
To protect yourself and other it is recommended to follow proper hand washing technique.
CDC states typhoid and paratyphoid fever are life threatening infection caused by specific bacteria.
Typhoid and paratyphoid fever do occur more in summer and during monsoon season. This is commonly spread with in India, Bangladesh, and Pakistan and sub-Saharan countries.
Importance of proper and regular Hand washing
Typhoid and paratyphoid is more prevalent in the places where hand washing is less frequent.
We need to understand what is typhoid fever?
It is life threatening illness which is caused by bacteria known as Salmonella Typhi.
Typhoid. It is not common with in developed countries such as USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Western Europe and Japan. It is commonly observe with in the SARRC region and other poor countries which includes Sub Saharan countries.
As per CDC report which was updated in August 2018, it states Typhoid is quite common among many other counties which are rated as underdeveloped countries.
Each year 22 million are effected worldwide by this disease.
Few cases approximately 350 people suffering from Typhoid were reported and diagnosed with in USA each year. Out of these most of them has recently travelled to either India, Pakistan or Bangladesh. These are the reported cases in US and it does not include those cases who did not approach for medical care as stated by CDC.
Both type of Typhoid and paratyphoid fever are quite common in the area where water is most likely to be contaminated with the sewerage line.
How to prevent from typhoid
- Wash your hands properly. It is recommended frequent hand-washing within hot weather. Use regularly the soapy water which is the best way to control spread of the infection. …
- Keep away from untreated drinking water. Contaminated drinking water is particularly problem in the areas where typhoid fever is widespread and prevalent.
- Eat hot food and freshly cooked food
- Keep away yourself and your family member from eating raw fruits and vegetables. …
Globally area of high risk includes parts of South East Asia, SARRC region, Caribbean, Africa and Central and South America. Mostly these countries are underdeveloped and poor countries.
To protect maximum people from it, expert advice two main and basic action need to be followed:
- Have typhoid vaccine to protect yourself and the dear ones.
- Exercise caution and be selective in choosing food and drinks. Especially if travelling.
It is to be exercise, because typhoid vaccine don’t give 100% coverage as well as till to date there is no paratyphoid vaccine.
It is advised to avoid taking food and drinks which pose risk, by this way we can protect yourself from other illness such as travelers’ diarrhea, dysentery, cholera and hepatitis A.
If someone take food or drink contaminated with Salmonella Typhi or Salmonella Paratyphi, This ingested contaminated food or drink can absorb within blood stream, which may cause either typhoid or paratyphoid fever.
If we are travelling or living in the areas of high risk during summer and monsoon season, main effected area which are located in Pakistan, India and Bangladesh.
- Make sure to boil / cook the food, and also peel of the skin to be safe for the consumption.
- If feeling thirsty drink safe bottled water or boil the water for 1-2 minute to make it safe and ready for consumption
- Bottled mineral water from reputed companies and carbonated drink which are safe.
- Drinks to be taken without ice until unless make sure ice is made from mineral water or boiled water.
- Avoid road side vendor selling popsicles such as ice lolly, lolly pop, gola-ganda, kulfi, ice cream or colored water ice place on wooden stick.
- Food to be eaten should be thoroughly cooked and should be hot and steaming at time of consumption.
- It is good to avoid raw vegetables and fruits that cannot be peeled.
- Lettuce (leaf of salad) can remain contaminated while it has been washed off.
- Avoid beverages and food from road side vendors which are plenty and attract us in hot summer and monsoon season.
Make sure and establish a habit to wash your hand first with soap before start eating food..
Article written by Mahmood Hussain for Baby First website, facebook, linkedin, twitter and other social and digital media
Word count 765 100%Unique
