Though enteric fever is quite a commonly used term, basically it is not an enteric disease and typhoid fever is an appropriate term for this disease. Transmission occurs through food and water. Though it is endemic all over the world, predominantly it occurs in developing countries, many a times in form of epidemics even today. It is estimated that mortality due to typhoid fever is more than half a million the world over. Incidence in India has been reported as high as 7.6 per 1,000 per year, with an estimated 6-8 million cases per year, and still remains a major public health problem.
Man seems to be the only host, reservoir, and chronic carrier.
Though effective antimicrobial agents are available, prevention remains the best option to reduce the morbidity and mortality. Disease can be prevented by strict-observation of public and private hygiene, the most important being water. Various types of vaccines are available and are fairly effective in preventing the infection. Copyright 2000 of Indegene Lifesystems Pvt.