Typhoid in Children

Clinical Description

Bacterial disease caused by salmonella typhi and spread through contaminated food, water or close contact.

Signs and Symptoms

• Fever, skin rash (rose spots)
• Abdominal pain
• Cough
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea or constipation

Investigations

• Full blood count
• Blood culture
• Urea, electrolytes and creatinine
• Erect abdominal Xray if suspect bowel perforation

Pharmacological

• Ciprofloxacin 10mg/kg PO 12 hourly for 14 days. If not tolerating orals give

Ceftriaxone 50mg/kg IV 24 hourly. Change to ciprofloxacin once child can take orally to complete 14 days.

Non-pharmacological

• Surgical referral if bowel perforation is suspected or GIT bleeding
• Ensure good hand hygiene and proper stool disposal
• Maintain good nutrition
• Counsel guardians on good sanitation and hygiene

Complications

• Bowel perforation
• GIT bleeding
• Psychosis

Complications and Referral Criteria

Suspected bowel perforation or GIT bleeding