Typhoid fever, a waterborne illness, is adding to the burden of seasonal and viral diseases for Bangladeshis, especially in cities. This is due to the country’s poorly managed sanitation systems and water resources.
Hospitals and doctors are reporting a surge in typhoid cases, particularly among children, following the recent rise in temperatures.
“Contaminated water is the main culprit,” says Professor Meerjadey Sebrina Flora, a health official. “The disease is endemic and worsens during hot weather.”
While the burden has lessened somewhat in recent years, typhoid remains a public health concern. Dr. Aninda Rahman, another health official, acknowledges the lack of nationwide data on typhoid cases and deaths, but assures the situation is under control.
However, a report by the Coalition Against Typhoid paints a different picture. It estimates nearly half a million typhoid cases and over 7,500 deaths occurred in Bangladesh in 2019, with children under 15 disproportionately affected.
Surveys also reveal a high prevalence of typhoid in Dhaka, particularly among young children. Research suggests a significant number of children require hospitalization for typhoid, and a worrying trend of antibiotic-resistant strains.
The cost of treating typhoid in Bangladesh can exceed 5,000 taka (US$60).
The report emphasizes that contaminated food and water, along with rapid urbanization, are key factors in typhoid transmission. It highlights the need for improved water and sanitation systems, but acknowledges the challenges of cost and implementation. Typhoid conjugate vaccines are seen as a crucial short-term solution.
The World Health Organization (WHO) warns that urbanization and climate change could worsen the global burden of typhoid. Antibiotic resistance further complicates the issue, especially in communities lacking access to clean water and proper sanitation.
Experts like Professor Benazir Ahmed emphasize the importance of ensuring safe water and food as primary prevention measures, with vaccination playing a vital role in controlling the spread of typhoid.