Hyderabad: Typhoid disease is silently turning dangerous in Telangana, with the state reporting one of the highest numbers of typhoid-related deaths in India. Recent official data has raised alarm, showing that Telangana’s share of typhoid fatalities is disproportionately high compared to its population.
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According to the latest certified causes of death data for 2023, over 1,000 deaths were reported nationwide due to typhoid and paratyphoid. Notably, one out of every five typhoid deaths in India occurred in Telangana, making the situation a major public health concern.
Telangana Among Top States in Typhoid Deaths
Data analysis shows that:
- Telangana recorded the second-highest number of typhoid deaths after Uttar Pradesh
- Despite having a much smaller population, Telangana’s death share is unusually high
- Health experts describe this trend as a serious warning signal for the state’s healthcare and sanitation systems
What Causes Typhoid?
Medical experts explain that typhoid is caused by the bacteria Salmonella Typhi, which mainly spreads through:
- Contaminated drinking water
- Unhygienic food
- Poor sanitation conditions
Leaks in old water pipelines, mixing of sewage during repairs, and unsafe water supply systems are major contributors to the spread of the disease.
Street Food and Poor Sanitation Add to Risk
Unregulated street food stalls in cities and towns have emerged as another major source of infection. Doctors say food prepared:
- Without proper hygiene
- Using contaminated water
- In unhygienic surroundings
significantly increases the risk of typhoid transmission.
The situation is even worse in slum areas, where lack of proper sanitation and clean water supply makes residents more vulnerable.
Delay in Treatment Making Situation Worse
Health professionals warn that public negligence is worsening the crisis. Many people:
- Ignore prolonged fever, assuming it is viral
- Delay visiting doctors
- Take medicines without medical advice
Doctors caution that delayed treatment can lead to intestinal damage, blood infection, organ failure, and even death.
Antibiotic Resistance Raises Fresh Concern
Another worrying trend is the reduced effectiveness of commonly used antibiotics for treating typhoid. Rising antibiotic resistance is making treatment more difficult and may further increase death rates if not addressed urgently.
What Needs to Be Done Now
Experts stress that controlling typhoid requires both public awareness and strong government action.
Key precautions for citizens:
- Boil drinking water before use
- Eat freshly cooked, hot food only
- Avoid unhygienic street food
- Consult a doctor immediately if fever persists
Steps needed from authorities:
- Identify typhoid-prone areas
- Strengthen sanitation and drinking water systems
- Strictly monitor food hygiene standards
The rising typhoid deaths in Telangana underline the urgent need for preventive action. Without immediate measures, health experts warn the situation could worsen further.
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