Typhoid Fever is a disease caused by bad sewerage, the odor from old privy vaults, or drinking water contaminated with human excrement, especially from typhoid-fever patients. It is a low grade of fever, which attacks a person but once. It comes on so gradually that it is hard to say when the disease began. It generally runs its course in spite of treatment. Treatment may save a case from a fatal termination, or reduce its duration to the minimum, which is three weeks. At first the patient complains of fatigue, loss of appetite, mental dullness and lack of interest in his work. There may be diarrhoea. Pulse ranges from 90 to 110 per minute; temperature from 100 to 104 degrees. The skin is dry and of a bronze hue. There may be bleeding from the nose. The tongue will have a brown coat, which, if the patient is not given an abundance of water, will become very dry. The lips and teeth collect a dark brown or blackish, gum-like matter, called sordies. In the second week the patient may become more or less delirious, and, if not closely watched, may get out of bed, in consequence of delusions. It is a common thing for the patient to imagine himself away from home. Little red spots, like fleabites, may make their appearance upon the abdomen.

If there has been diarrhoea, the abdomen may become distended with gas. Hemorrhage from the bowels may take place. During the third week any or all of these symptoms may become aggravated.

If the patient does well at the end of the third week, he will begin to improve, the tongue will clean, the skin become moist or wet with perspiration, and the mind perhaps become clear. He has not asked for anything, but now he may express a desire for food or drink.

The treatment for this disease, in a mild case, is simply good hygienic surroundings and care. On account of the low mental condition, he may not be conscious of his wants. Hence he may never call for water or food.

He should have milk and other nutritious food in such quantities as he can digest, at short but regular intervals.

The bowels will need attention. If there be diarrhoea, some mild astringents may be given, as fluid extract of logwood. If the bowels are distended by gas, spirits of turpentine may be given. If constipation ensue, some mild laxative, as castor-oil, syrup or tincture of rhubarb, or an enema of tepid water, will relieve the symptoms. The temperature and circulation can be controlled, as laid down under the head of fevers in general.

In bad cases any or all of the symptoms may be aggravated, and will need special attention.

Young persons are more likely to recover than persons advanced in life. They are also more liable to contract the disease.