An Outbreak of typhoid fever in a Sainik school of Rural Maharashtra

Abstract

Introduction Typhoid fever is virtually eliminated from developed countries due to public awareness, good hygiene practices and improved water supply. But it continues to be a health hazard in developing countries like ours.

Material and methods In the month of August, 2012; total 16 blood samples from indoor pediatric patients were received in the Microbiology department. The following test were done on the samples HIV antibody tests by Tridot, Serum hepatitis surface antigen (HBsAg) test, malarial parasite antibody detection by immuno chromatographic test (ICT), peripheral blood smear for malarial parasite, blood culture and antibiotic sensitivity test and Widal test. Throat swabs and stool samples of the patients were also processed. Department of Preventive and Social Medicine was informed about the outbreak. All preventive measures were taken to control the outbreak.

Result Out of 16 blood samples, Salmonella typhi was grown on culture in 5 and Widal test was positive in 4. All the strains of Salmonella typhi were sensitive to ampicillin, ceftazidime, ciprofloxacin, gentamicin, tetracycline, chloramphenicol and Cotrimoxazole except nalidixic acid. Further spread of the disease was checked by adopting immediate prevention and control measures, e.g., health education, provision of safe drinking water, improvement of hygiene, safe food handling practices etc.

Conclusion Typhoid fever is still a major health problem in developing countries. Prompt diagnosis, treatment and immediate preventive measures are important to avoid a major outbreak.