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What Are The Chances Of Infection When Near A Typhoid Patient?
I live in Dubai, UAE. I had bilateral knee replacement surgery on Jan 13 2015. I am feeling very well, except for GERD, which I had before surgery. I am occasionally taking Pantozol for this. Tonight I found out my part-time maid has Typhoid. She was in my home yesterday, washing dishes, doing laundry and doing general cleaning. I was home with her most of the time. Should I be tested for typhoid or wait to see if I have symptoms? Thank you.
Wed, 31 May 2023
Hi,
Typhoid fever is caused by the bacterium Salmonella typhi, which is usually spread through contaminated food or water. It is unlikely that you would contract typhoid fever from simply being near someone who has the illness. The disease is spread through contact with fecal matter or urine of an infected person and requires ingestion of the bacteria.
However, it is important to take precautions to prevent the spread of the disease. If your maid has been diagnosed with typhoid, she should not be working until she has been treated and is no longer contagious. You should also take care to wash your hands regularly and thoroughly, especially before eating or handling food, and avoid sharing utensils or drinking glasses with others.
If you develop symptoms such as fever, headache, stomach pain, and diarrhea within two weeks of being exposed to your maid, you should see a doctor and inform them of your potential exposure to typhoid. Testing can be done to confirm whether or not you have contracted the disease
.
If you require a personalized response, kindly use the Ask A Doctor service and post a follow-up. Take care. Hope I have answered your question.
Regards,
Dr. Priyanka, General & Family Physician
Typhoid fever is caused by the bacterium Salmonella typhi, which is usually spread through contaminated food or water. It is unlikely that you would contract typhoid fever from simply being near someone who has the illness. The disease is spread through contact with fecal matter or urine of an infected person and requires ingestion of the bacteria.
However, it is important to take precautions to prevent the spread of the disease. If your maid has been diagnosed with typhoid, she should not be working until she has been treated and is no longer contagious. You should also take care to wash your hands regularly and thoroughly, especially before eating or handling food, and avoid sharing utensils or drinking glasses with others.
If you develop symptoms such as fever, headache, stomach pain, and diarrhea within two weeks of being exposed to your maid, you should see a doctor and inform them of your potential exposure to typhoid. Testing can be done to confirm whether or not you have contracted the disease
.
If you require a personalized response, kindly use the Ask A Doctor service and post a follow-up. Take care. Hope I have answered your question.
Regards,
Dr. Priyanka, General & Family Physician
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