Typhoid Fever: symptoms, causes & treatment in Nigeria
Also known as typhoid, enteric fever.
This page is general health information, not a diagnosis. Always consult a licensed clinician about your own health.
Overview
Typhoid is a bacterial infection caught from food or water contaminated with Salmonella Typhi. It causes a prolonged fever that climbs over several days, often with stomach pain and weakness. It is frequently over-diagnosed in Nigeria, so a proper test matters before long courses of antibiotics.
Symptoms
Fever that rises gradually over days
Headache
Abdominal pain
Constipation or diarrhoea
Weakness and poor appetite
Body aches
Sometimes a dry cough
Causes & risk factors
Drinking contaminated water
Eating food prepared with unwashed hands
Poor sanitation and open defecation
Close contact with a carrier of the bacteria
Treatment & self-care
Confirmed typhoid is treated with a course of antibiotics chosen by a doctor, plus fluids and rest. Drink safe (boiled or bottled) water, wash hands before eating and after the toilet, and wash fruits and vegetables well. Finish the full antibiotic course even when you feel better.
See a doctor urgently if
High fever lasting more than three days
Severe abdominal pain or a swollen, tender belly
Blood in the stool or black stools
Confusion or extreme weakness
Signs of dehydration such as very little urine
Frequently asked questions
What are the first signs of Typhoid Fever?
Early signs often include fever that rises gradually over days, headache, abdominal pain. Symptoms vary from person to person, so a proper assessment by a doctor is the only way to be sure.
Can Typhoid Fever be treated?
Confirmed typhoid is treated with a course of antibiotics chosen by a doctor, plus fluids and rest. Drink safe (boiled or bottled) water, wash hands before eating and after the toilet, and wash fruits and vegetables well. Finish the full antibiotic course even when you feel better.
When should I see a doctor about Typhoid Fever?
See a doctor promptly if you notice: high fever lasting more than three days; severe abdominal pain or a swollen, tender belly; blood in the stool or black stools; confusion or extreme weakness; signs of dehydration such as very little urine.