49 lakh typhoid fever cases registered in the country

New Delhi: A report has revealed that about 49 lakh cases of typhoid fever were registered in the country in the year 2023. Out of this, 7850 deaths were reported. Typhoid fever cases are highest in the states of Delhi, Maharashtra and Karnataka. It has been revealed from the report that about 30 percent of the cases were registered in those states. The report was published in The Lancet Regional Health Southeast Asia.

Of the 7.3 lakh people hospitalized with typhoid fever, 6 lakh were found to be resistant to fluoroquinolones. These antibiotics are used to treat antimicrobial resistance. Typhoid fever is caused by a bacterial infection. It is transmitted through contaminated water and food. Symptoms appear within one to three weeks. High fever, headache, abdominal pain, and fatigue occur. Treatment is with antibiotics and supportive care.

Researchers from the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine and Christian Medical College (Vellore) have prepared a report on typhoid fever. The states of Delhi, Maharashtra and Karnataka have identified a high percentage of fluoroquinolone resistant cases. The report also states that deaths are also high in these states.