What is enteric fever?
Enteric fever, also known as typhoid fever or paratyphoid fever, is a condition characterized by fever caused by an infection with bacteria known as Salmonella Typhi and Salmonella Paratyphi. The fever is often accompanied by abdominal pain and chills.
Enteric fever is relatively uncommon in the United States and Europe, but it is prevalent in other parts of the world, including:
- South-Central and Southeast Asia, which encompasses countries such as India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, and the Philippines.
- Africa.
- Latin America and the Caribbean, including Mexico, El Salvador, and Haiti.
In these regions, the infection causing enteric fever spreads when individuals consume contaminated food or water. The bacteria can contaminate food and drinks through various means, such as:
- Infected individuals can transmit the bacteria to the food they handle if they fail to practice proper hand hygiene.
- The bacteria can enter the water supply through the feces of infected individuals. If the water is inadequately treated and subsequently used for cooking or cleaning, it can contribute to the spread of the infection.
What are the symptoms of enteric fever?
Common symptoms of enteric fever include:
- Fever
- Abdominal pain
- Chills
- “Rose spots”– Faint, salmon-colored spots that appear on the abdomen and trunk
Is there a test for enteric fever?
Yes, to determine whether you are infected with the bacteria that cause enteric fever, your doctor or nurse can request a “culture” test on your blood. They may also conduct a culture test on a sample of the following:
- Bowel movement
- Urine
- Skin from one of the rose spots
It is important to note that these tests do not always provide definitive results for diagnosing enteric fever. Even if the test results are negative, your doctor may still decide to treat you for enteric fever based on your symptoms and travel history.
How is enteric fever treated?
Treatment involves a course of antibiotic pills lasting up to two weeks. In severe cases, individuals may require intravenous administration of antibiotics via a thin tube inserted into a vein. If you are prescribed antibiotics for the treatment of enteric fever, it is crucial to adhere to the prescribed regimen for the entire duration. Failure to do so may result in the recurrence of the infection.
Can enteric fever be prevented?
Yes, there are two primary methods for preventing enteric fever:
- Vaccination before travel: If you plan to travel outside of the US and Europe, consult your doctor or nurse regarding the need for the typhoid vaccine or any other recommended vaccines. The typhoid vaccine can be administered as three or four oral pills taken on different days or as a single injection. It is important to note that the typhoid vaccine is not 100 percent effective, and individuals can still contract enteric fever even after vaccination.
- Safe food and water practices while traveling: When visiting regions outside of the US and Europe:
- Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water before eating or handling food
- Consume only bottled water or properly boiled water for a minimum of one minute
- Avoid adding ice to beverages and refrain from consuming popsicles or flavored ice
- Consume only thoroughly cooked hot food
- Eat fruits that have a peel, which you should wash and peel yourself. Avoid eating the peels
- Refrain from consuming raw vegetables or salads
- Avoid purchasing food or drinks from street vendors
