Typhoid Fever
Typhoid fever is a bacterial infection caused by Salmonella typhi, spread through contaminated food and water. Nigeria has one of the highest typhoid burdens globally. Without treatment, typhoid can be life-threatening, but it is highly treatable with antibiotics when caught early.
Find a Internal Medicine SpecialistSymptoms
- Sustained high fever (39-40°C)
- Headache
- Abdominal pain
- Loss of appetite
- Weakness and fatigue
- Constipation or diarrhea
- Rose-coloured spots on chest
When to See a Doctor
See a doctor if you have a fever lasting more than 3 days, especially with abdominal pain and weakness. Typhoid requires laboratory confirmation (Widal test or blood culture) — do not self-medicate.
Treatment Options
- Antibiotics (ciprofloxacin, azithromycin, ceftriaxone)
- Fluid replacement
- Rest and nutrition
- Typhoid vaccine (prevention)
- Hospitalization for severe cases
Common Questions
How is typhoid diagnosed?
Through blood culture (gold standard) or Widal test. Blood culture is more accurate but takes 2-3 days. Many Nigerian labs offer rapid tests, but these can have false positives.
Can typhoid come back?
Yes. Some people become chronic carriers. Completing your full antibiotic course is essential to prevent relapse and carrier status.
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