Latest news with #Salmonellatyphi
Time of India
5 days ago
- Health
- Time of India
Is it really dengue? Diseases mimicking dengue fever
Fever , rash, and body aches? In dengue-prone areas, these symptoms almost instantly make people think of dengue fever. However, experts warn that this can be a dangerous assumption. A range of illnesses, known as dengue mimickers , can present with nearly identical signs and symptoms. Mistaking these conditions for dengue may delay correct treatment, worsen patient outcomes, and even put lives at risk. Many of these dengue mimickers are caused by viruses, bacteria, or parasites, and require very different treatments. Some can be more severe than dengue if left undetected. The overlap in symptoms makes accurate diagnosis challenging, especially during dengue outbreaks, when the disease is top of mind for both doctors and patients. By understanding what these dengue mimickers are, and how they differ from dengue, patients can get timely and correct medical care. Dengue mimickers: Viral infections that confuse diagnosis Several viruses can act as dengue mimickers, creating overlapping symptoms that complicate diagnosis. Chikungunya virus often presents with fever, rash, and severe joint pain, in fact, the joint swelling can be worse than in dengue. Zika virus can also cause rash and fever, but it is often associated with conjunctivitis and, in pregnant women, serious risks to the unborn baby. Seasonal influenza may bring high fever, headaches, and muscle aches that resemble dengue, but is usually accompanied by respiratory symptoms like cough and sore throat. The challenge for doctors is that these viral dengue mimickers often occur in the same regions and seasons as dengue, making lab confirmation essential before starting treatment. Dengue mimickers: Bacterial infections you shouldn't overlook Some bacterial illnesses can be equally deceptive. Leptospirosis , spread through water contaminated with animal urine, can cause high fever, muscle pain, and red eyes, all common in dengue. Unlike dengue, leptospirosis often affects the kidneys and liver early on, making it vital to detect quickly. Typhoid fever , caused by Salmonella typhi bacteria, can mimic dengue with prolonged fever, abdominal discomfort, and weakness. However, a distinctive symptom is a slow-rising fever pattern and gastrointestinal disturbances. These bacterial dengue mimickers require targeted antibiotics, so mistaking them for dengue can delay life-saving care. Dengue mimickers: Parasitic and other infectious look-alikes Malaria , caused by Plasmodium parasites, is one of the most critical dengue mimickers. The fever in malaria often follows a cyclical pattern, high fever followed by chills and sweats. Anemia, fatigue, and sometimes jaundice can also occur. Without timely diagnosis and anti-malarial treatment, malaria can become life-threatening. Other parasitic infections, like amebiasis in severe systemic forms, may cause overlapping symptoms with dengue, though they are less common as primary mimickers. Dengue mimickers: Liver and autoimmune conditions Non-infectious diseases can also be dengue mimickers. Hepatitis A, B, and E can cause fever, fatigue, and rash-like skin changes due to liver inflammation. Autoimmune disorders such as systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) may present with joint pain, rashes, and fever, easily mistaken for dengue without proper testing. In both liver diseases and autoimmune dengue mimickers, specific lab tests such as liver function panels or autoantibody profiles are necessary to reach a correct diagnosis. Why recognizing dengue mimickers is crucial The consequences of misdiagnosing dengue mimickers are serious. A patient with malaria who is treated as if they have dengue will not receive the necessary antimalarial drugs in time. A person with leptospirosis might suffer organ damage if antibiotics are delayed. Healthcare professionals in dengue-endemic areas must remain alert, use laboratory confirmation wherever possible, and consider a wide range of possible causes for dengue-like symptoms. Patients, too, should be aware that not every fever with body ache is dengue and should insist on proper testing before assuming the cause. Ultimately, understanding and identifying dengue mimickers is not just about better medical accuracy, it's about saving lives. Also read| Why people in their 30s and 40s are collapsing during workouts: A cardiologist explains the hidden risk
The Star
16-07-2025
- Health
- The Star
Kenya vaccinates over 21 mln children against typhoid, measles
NAIROBI, July 16 (Xinhua) -- Kenya has vaccinated some 21.3 million children against typhoid and measles in its latest campaign against the two infectious diseases, the biggest vaccination drive in the East African nation's history, a government official has said. Aden Duale, cabinet secretary in the Ministry of Health, said in a statement released on Tuesday evening in the Kenyan capital of Nairobi that 16.1 million children received typhoid conjugate vaccine, and 5.18 million children were vaccinated against measles and rubella. "Over 74,000 zero-dose children who had never received routine immunization were identified and vaccinated, a remarkable milestone in our efforts not to leave anyone behind," Duale said. He said that the typhoid vaccine has achieved 84 percent national coverage while the measles vaccine reached 81 percent. The typhoid vaccine has now been incorporated in Kenya's national vaccination drive to fight drug-resistant forms of the disease, the Ministry of Health said. According to the World Health Organization, typhoid fever is caused by the bacterium Salmonella typhi, which spreads through contaminated food and water, while measles is one of the leading causes of death among young children worldwide.
Time of India
12-07-2025
- Health
- Time of India
Why viral fevers, dengue, and typhoid surge during monsoons
During each monsoon, one can clearly see an increase in the incidence of viral fevers, dengue, and typhoid in most regions of India. This peak seasonality is not merely coincidental but is due to the way weather, water, and hygiene interact during monsoons. The combination of stagnant water, humidity, and poor sanitation during monsoons is the ideal breeding ground for infections to spread and flourish. Viral monsoon fevers are primarily due to seasonal viruses transmitted by air, contaminated hands, or droplets from an infected person. The humidity lowers our body's natural defence, and hence, viruses can easily infect us. These fevers may present with symptoms of fever, body pain, mild to high-grade fever, sore throat, and occasionally, the abdominal symptoms. As individuals remain indoors during rains, family or crowded settings close contact can spread it faster. Dengue, a disease spread by mosquitoes, is also at its peak in monsoon season because breeding of mosquitoes is high. Aedes aegypti, the mosquito vector for dengue, breeds in clean stale water — which is often seen in buckets, thrown-away containers, flowerpots, or even clogged drains after rain. Urban environments with inadequate drainage and water stagnation are especially vulnerable. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Villas For Sale in Dubai Might Surprise You Villas in Dubai | Search Ads Get Info Undo The symptoms of dengue may initially begin with sudden high fever, severe headache, pain in the eyes behind them, muscle and joint pain, and rash on the skin. In severe instances, it may lead to life-threatening conditions such as dengue hemorrhagic fever. Typhoid, however, is a water-borne bacterial infection with Salmonella typhi as the causative agent. It is transmitted through contaminated food and water, quite a problem during monsoons when pipelines carrying water tend to get mixed with sewage due to leaks or flooding. Unwashed vegetables, street food, and contaminated drinking water are usual sources. Typhoid fever is characterized by long-standing fever, weakness, pain in the abdomen, constipation or diarrhea, and rash on the skin in some cases. This scent-based preference, which remains consistent over time, could pave the way for more effective mosquito repellents and disease prevention. The unifying factor among these diseases is lack of sanitation, waterlogging, and hygiene issues that get intensified during monsoon. Monsoon also witnesses increased consumption of outside food as well as street foods, which might be exposed to contaminated water or dealt with without good hygiene. Children, the elderly population, and those with pre-existing medical conditions are especially at risk. These diseases can be prevented with simple yet effective measures. Don't drink unfiltered or uncovered water; always drink clean, boiled water if unsure about the origin. Don't let water pool in and around houses and prevent breeding of mosquitoes. Wear mosquito repellents and nets, particularly during early morning and evening when mosquitoes are active. Wash hands regularly and refrain from eating street food for the time being. I also recommend not to neglect any fever during monsoons — early diagnosis and prompt treatment can avoid complications, particularly with dengue or typhoid. Building immunity through a well-balanced diet, drinking plenty of fluids, and proper rest also proves to be a great defense during this peak-risk season. (Inputs by Dr. Tushar Tayal, Consultant, Internal Medicine, CK Birla Hospital, Gurgaon.)
Time of India
31-05-2025
- Health
- Time of India
5 diseases caused by cockroaches
Cockroaches are not only pests that disgust most but can also cause many dangerous diseases to both adults and children. The younger and elderly populations need to be more vigilant, as they are more vulnerable owing to weak immunity. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now The most common disease that can happen on coming in contact with cockroaches or consuming the food or water contaminated by them is food poisoning. Symptoms of food poisoning caused by the cockroach germs include stomach pain, vomiting, diarrhea, and fever. It is treatable via oral hydration, i.e., ORS, and antibiotics in select cases. Typhoid fever Another serious disease that can be caused by a bacterium that cockroaches spread is typhoid. The bacteria is called Salmonella typhi bacteria, and it enters the body via contaminated water that we may drink or contaminated food we may eat. Its symptoms are high fever, weakness, headache, sometimes constipation, and sometimes diarrhea, typically appearing within 12 to 72 hours. It can generally be relieved with proper rest and antibiotics. Cholera According to Dr. Shivani Swami, HOD, pulmonology, allergy, and sleep medicine at Amar Jain Hospital, Jaipur, 'Cholera is another disease that can be spread by cockroaches and happens mostly if proper hygiene is not maintained. The patient has symptoms such as diarrhea, which is watery, vomiting, etc. IV fluids and antibiotics would be needed in case the symptoms lead to dehydration.' Dysentery Dysentery, often caused by Shigella bacteria or amoebas, too can be caused by cockroaches. The patient gets severe loose motions, which may have blood discharge. The patient can also get stomach cramps and prolonged fever. To counter this, specific antibiotics are advised. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Gastroenteritis , asthma and other allergic reactions Another common problem is gastroenteritis, which can be caused by cockroaches. Lots of fluids and foods light on the stomach are recommended for treatment. Cockroach droppings, saliva, and body parts can lead to problems such as allergies and asthma. This can cause symptoms such as sneezing, coughing, and breathing problems. This problem is common in children. Antihistamines and inhalers are used for treatment. To help prevent cockroach-associated infections or diseases, it is advisable to keep the home clean, keep food covered, and ensure dustbins are washed and cleaned regularly. Professional pest control also needs to be done from time to time, as prevention is always better. Also remember, in cases of severity, doctor consultation is key. Most heart disease deaths can be prevented by changing diets: Study
Daily Mirror
24-04-2025
- Health
- Daily Mirror
Typhoid fever symptoms explained amid fears Victorian disease becoming antibiotic resistant
At its worst typhoid can kill, but others who develop the fever can be left with a host of unpleasant symptoms that can take several months to recover from if left untreated A Victorian illness that was once easily treated has re-emerged with deadly antibiotic resistance - sparking global health fears as it becomes even harder to cure. Typhoid fever, caused by contaminated food or water, has been a persistent threat to human populations for millennia. At its worst, it can kill, but others who develop the fever can be left with a host of unpleasant symptoms that can take several months to recover from if left untreated. More than 110,000 people die from typhoid every year, notably across Southeast Asia, Sub-Saharan Africa, South America and Eastern Europe, where sanitation and water quality are poor. But it can spread to new parts of the world, including the UK - with a new extensively drug-resistant strain making the highly contagious disease much harder to control. According to the NHS, symptoms usually develop 1 or 2 weeks after a person becomes infected with the Salmonella typhi bacteria. With prompt treatment, symptoms of typhoid fever should generally improve within 3 to 5 days. But if the disease is left untreated, it'll usually worsen over time, and there's a significant risk of life-threatening complications developing. Without treatment, it can take weeks - or even months - to fully recover from typhoid, and symptoms can even return. The main symptoms to look out for are: a persistent high temperature that gradually increases each day a headache general aches and pains extreme tiredness (fatigue) a cough constipation Later on, as the infection progresses you may also experience a lose in appetite, feeling sick, a tummy ache and diarrhoea. Some people may develop a rash. When to see a doctor You should see your GP as soon as possible if you have symptoms of typhoid fever - even if you have been vaccinated against it - and especially if you have recently returned from travelling abroad. While typhoid fever is currently still uncommon in the UK, it's vital to get your symptoms checked out in case you require treatment. If you become ill while travelling abroad, you can get help by: contacting a representative of the travel company you booked with contacting your travel insurer contacting the British consulate in the area you're visiting or, if you're feeling very ill, the local emergency services The Foreign & Commonwealth Office (FCO) provides travel advice by country, and the contact details of all the British consulates and embassies in foreign countries can be accessed on Before you travel, it's a good idea to make a list of relevant contact details and telephone numbers in case of an emergency. Speaking about the new antibiotic resistant strain of typhoid fever, an international team of researchers recently wrote in the journal Scientific Data: "Despite advances in vaccination and treatment strategies, typhoid fever continues to affect millions annually, leading to substantial morbidity and mortality, and there continue to be large-scale outbreaks."
