x

Do you have typhoid or malaria? How to tell the difference

Proper diagnosis is crucial for distinguishing between malaria and typhoid fever, as they require different treatments. Malaria is caused by a parasite transmitted through the bite of infected mosquitoes, while typhoid is caused by the bacterium *Salmonella typhi*, typically through contaminated food or water.

Here are key ways to differentiate between the two:

Fever Patterns
Malaria often presents with cyclical fevers, known as paroxysms, where the fever rises and falls in stages. Typhoid fever, on the other hand, gradually increases in a “stepladder” pattern over several days.

Symptoms
While both diseases cause fever, they have distinct symptoms.
– Malaria: Symptoms include chills, shivering, high fever, an enlarged spleen and liver, anemia, jaundice, sweating, abdominal pain, and diarrhea.
– Typhoid: Typhoid presents with gastrointestinal symptoms such as constipation or diarrhea, abdominal pain, severe headaches, and a high fever lasting around 10 days. It may also cause an enlarged spleen, liver issues, a rash of small red spots on the chest and abdomen, and anemia.

Diagnosis
Diagnosing malaria is typically faster and more straightforward. A complete blood count and a malarial parasite test can confirm malaria. Typhoid diagnosis may involve tests like the Widal test, typhi dot test, bone marrow, or stool samples.

Complications
– Malaria: Can lead to seizures, coma, or death, with a mortality rate of 15.3 per 100,000 cases.
– Typhoid: May cause complications such as intestinal perforation and peritonitis. Untreated cases can be fatal.

Blood Testing
Both diseases can lead to anemia and splenomegaly (enlarged spleen). However, typhoid is often linked to relative bradycardia (slower heart rate relative to fever) and a decrease in white blood cells. In areas where both diseases are common, blood tests for both may be needed to make an accurate diagnosis.

Hot this week

Editors Urge Government To Create Safe, Enabling Environment For Journalists

· Ask security agents to find missing Vanguard journalist As...

EXCLUSIVE: Buhari orders probe of Isa Funtua, AMCON over keystone and Etisalat

Following the controversy generated by the leading opposition party,...

6 Signs your boyfriend thinks you are ugly -Take note of No. 2

They say there are three kinds of people; the...

2023: South-East, Middle Belt Forum Endorses Peter Obi

The South-East and Middle Belt Forum has endorsed the...

Groups Back Tinubu’s Oil Sector Reforms, Caution Against Sponsored Protests‎

‎Says sector reforms will soon yield results‎‎Calls for an...

Peter Obi Declares 2027 Presidential Bid, Dismisses VP Speculations

Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has confirmed...

BREAKING: Olubadan, Oba Olakulehin, Passes Away at 90 After One Year on Throne

The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, has passed...

Plateau Central Senator Diket Plang Loses Wife, Janet

By Israel Adamu, Jos Senator representing Plateau Central Senatorial District...

SGF position cannot stop North-Central from having National Chairman – APC Forum 

By Israel Adamu ,Jos  The North-Central All Progressives Congress (APC)...

KDSG commence free bus service for Civil Servants, Students

By Achadu Gabriel, Kaduna  The Kaduna Subsidized Transport Scheme (KSTS)...

NDDC Bolsters Bayelsa Communities with Essential Aid

Amgbare Ekaunkumo, Yenagoa  The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has...
spot_img

Related Articles

Popular Categories

spot_imgspot_img