Typhoid and paratyphoid fever are bacterial infections of the intestinal tract and the bloodstream. They both have similar symptoms, and the bacteria responsible for typhoid are Salmonella typhi, and the bacterium responsible for paratyphoid is Salmonella paratyphi. The illness is life-threatening, and people with this infection need to go to urgent care for fever treatments immediately.

Other Salmonella serotype bacteria, collectively called nontyphoidal Salmonellae, typically cause gastroenteritis as the key symptom. Typhoid and paratyphoid are collectively called enteric fever.

What is Typhoid Fever?

It is a highly contagious infection, primarily spread through contaminated food and water, especially in areas with poor sanitation. The symptoms can range from mild to severe, which makes it difficult to diagnose early for effective treatment. The bacteria Salmonella typhi infect the intestines and bloodstream.

The infection is decreased through ingestion of contaminated food and water. The disease is most prevalent in areas with poor hygiene, such as Asia, Africa, and Latin America.

What is Paratyphoid fever?

Paratyphoid resembles typhoid fever, but it is caused by Salmonella paratyphi A, B, or C. Paratyphoid is less severe than typhoid, but it still can lead to severe conditions if untreated. The strains of S. paratyphi differ slightly in their characteristics compared to typhoid, but they spread in the same way as typhoid through contaminated food and fluids. It is less common than typhoid, but it still poses a threat to public health in developing areas.

Incubation Period and Illness Estimation

The incubation period of typhoid is about 7 to 14 days, but can range from three to sixty days. For paratyphoid, the incubation period ranges from one to ten days. The beginning of symptoms may gradually worsen from three to four days. Untreated illness may last for four weeks. Most people get infected. 

It is estimated that 9.2 million typhoid illnesses occur worldwide every year, while 5700 illnesses and 620 hospitalizations are recorded every year in America. For paratyphoid, 3.8 million illnesses are recorded worldwide each year. CDC did not have a record of illnesses and hospitalizations in America.

High Risk Individuals of developing Enteric Fever

The population that is at high risk of developing symptoms of typhoid and paratyphoid includes:

• People who travel to areas where enteric fever is widespread (Asia, Africa, & Latin America)

• Travellers who come to visit or live in Australia from areas where enteric fever is widespread.

• Anyone who has had close contact with the infected person.

• Young children have a greater risk of getting infected than adults.

• An overseas person who came back to their country of birth.

People who have been vaccinated are at low risk of developing infection, but this method is not 100% effective. Around 20 to 50% vaccinated people are still at risk of getting enteric fever after exposure to the following options.

Symptoms of Enteric Fever

The symptoms may go from mild to severe, depending on the condition, and can last for one month without treatment, and may include:

• Fiver, fatigue, or tiredness

• Malaise

• Sore throat & cough

• Headache

• Slow heartbeat

• Sweating

• Nausea

• Abdominal pain

• Constipation, or diarrhea

• Lack of appetite and weight loss

• Skin rashes on the chest and belly

• Blood poisoning

• Enlarged spleen

• Enlarged Liver

• Mental confusion

Enteric fever has similar symptoms, but paratyphoid has mild symptoms and a faster rate of recovery after fever symptoms treatment.

Serious Complications From Enteric Fever

The lethal complications of enteric fever include:

• Intestinal hemorrhage, the sudden drop in blood pressure, and blood in faeces due to bleeding in the intestine.

• Intestinal perforation that leads to leakage of intestinal content and blood to the abdominal cavity.

• Meningitis is the inflammation of membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord.

• Inflammation of the pancreas and heart.

• Other infections include the infection of the lungs, kidneys, bladder, or spine.

These are very complex conditions that may occur due to enteric fevers and require an urgent care clinic visit.

When to Visit Urgent Care for Typhoid Fever and Paratyphoid Fever Treatment

It is necessary to go to an urgent care walk-in clinic when you experience early signs of symptoms, especially when you travel to poorly hygienic areas.

Some emergency symptoms that need typhoid treatment near me include:

• Severe abdominal pain

• Persistent high fever that does not improve

• Confusion or delirium

• Dry mouth, dizziness

• Reduced urination

Urgent care services are equipped to manage the early mild stages of symptoms of both typhoid and paratyphoid fever and can help prevent complications by providing fast fever treatment near me.

Treatment Options for Enteric Fever

Without prompt medical treatment, the enteric fever can be fatal.

Treatment options may include:

• The patient may need hospitalization or inpatient care for a few days.

• The provider may prescribe antibiotics to kill the bacteria for faster recovery.

• Drink plenty of water for recovery from dehydration caused by diarrhea and fever.

There are certain precautions before treatment that need to be maintained to prevent infection.

Prevention of Enteric Fever

Travellers should take several precautions before travelling to reduce the risk of catching enteric fever. Taking precautions is essential for those mentioned above, other than travellers.

Immunization for Infection

Anyone who is travelling to a country that is considered high risk for typhoid must consult with their doctor or use online care to find out what vaccinations are recommended and needed. Even if you think your journey is safe and hygienic, you still need to get vaccinated. Vaccination for enteric fever also includes hepatitis immunization.

After vaccination, you still maintain good hygiene in your surroundings. There is no vaccine for paratyphoid. Vaccination should be performed at least two weeks before travelling.

Other Precautions with Enteric Fever

Vaccination is not a guarantee that you will not catch the infection again. Strict attention to personal hygiene and healthy eating is still significant.

Other suggestions include:

• Don’t eat from street vendors

• Eat properly cooked foods and avoid cold food.

• Avoid seafood, especially shellfish

• Don’t eat peeled fruits or their juices, peeling them yourself is safe

• Avoid raw or runny eggs to eat

• Avoid unpasteurized milk

• Don’t drink open or impure water

• Clean your hands thoroughly after every activity, and use sanitizer

• Keep your unhygienic hand away from your mouth and face.

After all of these efforts, if you get symptoms, then you must go to urgent care for fever treatment. Don't take it lightly, this is a fatal infection if not treated earlier.