Typhus is an infectious disease caused by the bacterium Salmonella typhi . This disease is generally spread through food or drink contaminated with these bacteria. Although it often occurs in children, typhus can also be experienced by adults.
Typhus or typhoid fever ( typhoid fever ) is different from typhus . Typhus or typhus is an infectious disease caused by Rickettsia bacteria which is spread by animal fleas.
Typhus is a disease that often occurs in African and Southeast Asian countries, such as Indonesia. About 500 out of every 100,000 Indonesians are infected with typhoid and it is increasing every year. Therefore, typhus is declared a serious endemic disease in Indonesia.
Typhoid Causes and Symptoms
Typhus occurs when the Salmonella typhi bacteria enter the human intestine and develop in the digestive tract. Poor hygiene facilities and limited access to clean water are major factors in the development of this disease.
In general, the following are symptoms of typhus :
- Fever with temperature increasing gradually until it reaches 39–40°C
- Lethargic and limp
- Gastrointestinal symptoms, such as nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, or diarrhea
- Headache
Typhoid Treatment and Prevention
Treatment of typhus is by administering antibiotics. Depending on the severity, typhoid treatment can be done at home or in the hospital.
Typhoid can be prevented by typhoid vaccination. This vaccine is included in the recommended immunization. Apart from vaccines, prevention can also be done by keeping the environment clean and living a healthy lifestyle.