Typhoid Fever
Summary of Article
Typhoid fever is a major health threat in developing countries especially for children. Most industrialized countries have few incidences of typhoid fever. A Salmonella typhi bacterium causes the typhoid fever. The disease is spread through the contact with infected individuals or contaminated water and food. However, an individual suffering from the disease can feel better after taking antibiotic treatment for a few days. Besides, a small number of people suffering from the illness may die after developing complications. Most vaccines against typhoid are partially effective (Mayo Clinic, 2015). The vaccines are reserved for individuals who live in regions where the disease is common or places where they may get exposed.
The signs and symptoms of typhoid fever mostly develop after one to three weeks after an individual is exposed to the disease. Some of the early signs and symptoms of the illness include headache, fatigue and weakness, sweating, abdominal pain, swollen abdomen, constipation or diarrhea, muscle aches, dry cough, sweating, and rashes (Mayo Clinic, 2015). After a patient shows these signs and symptoms and does not receive any treatment, the condition may worsen, possibly making him or her become delirious or feel exhausted (Mayo Clinic, 2015). Other life-threatening complications may develop at this stage.
Patients should seek medical attention immediately after showing the signs and symptoms of the disease. Doctors use either blood fluid tests or tissue culture to determine the presence of bacteria causing the illness (Mayo Clinic, 2015). Once the presence of the bacteria is confirmed, treatment and drugs are administered. Some of the commonly administered antibiotics include Ceftriaxone and Ciprofloxacin (Mayo Clinic, 2015). Other treatments include drinking lots of fluids to prevent dehydration or surgery if the intestines become perforated.
Significance to Course Content and Global Health
The Mayo Clinic article on typhoid fever is effective in explaining various aspects of the disease. The explanation is given systematically, making the readers understand the outlined issues. The elements of the diseases discussed include: definition, symptoms, causes, risk factors, complications, preparing for appointment, diagnosis and tests, treatment and drugs, and prevention (Mayo Clinic, 2015).
Nursing plays a major role in giving helpful services to the worldwide community. According to Butler (2011), nurses from different geographic locations should consider weaving, integrating, and developing their roles as medical practitioners. Nursing should also be aware of the steadily changing health needs that result from globalization. Some of the most common health trends include hygiene problems, insufficient and dirty water, and increased obesity. Nurses should gain a deep understanding of diseases to reverse the negative trends of health. This website gives a clear explanation of different diseases, thus enabling medical practitioners to understand the diseases in a clear way.
Nursing should integrate global and international health concepts into the curriculum. In most places, it has primarily focused on clinical topics such as taking care of vulnerable populations, the spread of communicable diseases, the importance of evidenced-based nursing interventions, and addressing issues of cultural sensitivity and diversity (Wilson et al., 2012). Regarding contagious diseases, the website has interpreted global and international typhoid fever issues from a distinct clinical perspective.
Wilson et al. (2012) posit that viewing global and international health issues regarding various diseases places a lot of emphasis on the health problem such as poor health and pathology. Little or no attention is paid to political, social, and economic elements. The explanations given help individuals to expand their knowledge, understand the impact of globalization on health issues such as typhoid fever, which is a major problem in developing countries. The website helps to prioritize health and create a connection between the disease and different prevention mechanisms that may help to resolve the problem.
References
Butler, T. (2011). Treatment of typhoid fever in the 21st century: Promises and shortcomings. Clinical Microbiology and Infection, 17(7), 959-963. doi: 10.1111/j.1469-0691.2011.03552.x
Mayo Clinic. (2015, July 11). Typhoid fever. Tests and diagnosis.
Wilson, L., Harper, D. C., Tami-Maury, I., Zarate, R., Salas, S., Farley, J., … Ventura, C. (2012). Global health competencies for nurses in the Americas. Journal of Professional Nursing, 28(4), 213-222.
