typhoid fever
Noun: A serious, potentially life-threatening infectious disease caused by the bacterium Salmonella enterica serotype Typhi. It is characterized by sustained high fever, profound weakness, abdominal pain, and intestinal inflammation, often leading to ulceration. The infection is typically spread through the ingestion of food or water contaminated with the feces of an infected person.
The term "typhoid fever" is used as a medical diagnosis and in general discussion about the disease. It functions as a singular, non-count noun when referring to the illness as a condition. - She was hospitalized with typhoid fever. - Typhoid fever remains a significant public health concern in areas with poor sanitation. - The symptoms of typhoid fever can be severe.
- Historical/Literary Context: The disease is often discussed in historical contexts regarding epidemics or in literature describing illness.
- Many soldiers in the 19th century died not from battle wounds but from typhoid fever.
- Medical/Preventive Context: Often mentioned alongside prevention methods like vaccination and hygiene.
- Travelers to certain regions are advised to get vaccinated against typhoid fever.
- Typhoid (noun): A common shortened form of "typhoid fever."
- He was diagnosed with typhoid.
- Enteric fever (noun): A broader medical term that encompasses both typhoid fever and paratyphoid fever.
- Typhoidal (adjective): Relating to or resembling typhoid fever.
- The patient presented with typhoidal symptoms.
- Enteric fever (specific medical synonym) Note: While "typhus" is a historically related term, it is caused by a different type of bacterium () and is not a true synonym.
- Contract typhoid fever: To become infected with the disease.
- He contracted typhoid fever during his travels.
- Typhoid fever outbreak: A sudden occurrence of many cases.
- Health officials worked to contain the typhoid fever outbreak.
- Typhoid fever vaccine/vaccination: The preventive measure.
- She received her typhoid fever vaccination before the trip.
- Carrier of typhoid fever: A person who harbors and spreads the bacteria without showing symptoms.
- The famous case of "Typhoid Mary" involved an asymptomatic carrier of typhoid fever.
- serious infection marked by intestinal inflammation and ulceration; caused by Salmonella typhosa ingested with food or water