808 - The Silent Epidemic of Typhoid Fever among Children

Publication Number: 808.6608

Jennifer E. Udeogu, University of Minnesota, minneapolis, MN, United States; Jeremiah Danyam. Choji, Jos University Teaching Hospital, Lamingo, Jos, Plateau State, Nigeria, Jos, Plateau, Nigeria; Molly Gardner, University of Minnesota Medical School, Duluth, MN, United States; Aderonke Gbadebo, University of Minnesota Masonic Children's Hospital, Minneapolis, MN, United States; Tina Slusher, University of Minnesota, Roseville, MN, United States; Fredrick Dachung, VOM CHRISTIAN HOSPITAL, CHURCH OF CHRIST IN NATIONS, JOS, Plateau, Nigeria

Background: Typhoid fever, caused by Salmonella Typhi, is a major public health issue in low and middle-income countries like Nigeria, with significant pediatric complications. Nigeria recorded 291,909 cases and 3,584 deaths in 2019, primarily among children. Partnering with Vom Christian Hospital, we aim to review typhoid cases to raise public health awareness and sustainable interventions.

Objective: The project highlights the silent typhoid fever epidemic in the community served by the hospital, with a particular focus on the pediatric population. By analyzing data collected from 2018 to 2023, we aim to highlight the immense burden this disease places on children and call for urgent collective action to address the health and medical care needs of this vulnerable group in a low-resource setting.

Design/Methods: This study analyzed typhoid fever cases at Vom Christian Hospital, Nigeria, from 2018 to 2023, focusing on pediatric patients. The data was de-identified and approved by the Vom Christian Hospital review board. The analysis includes the prevalence and outcomes of its complications, emphasizing and comparing the trends between adult and pediatric patients.

Results: The data highlights a rising prevalence of typhoid among children, who accounted for 77.64% of total cases between 2018 and 2023, with 36% experiencing intestinal perforation. Mortality rates among children fluctuated, starting at 4.79% in 2018, peaking at 12.5% in 2022, and remaining high at 12.2% in 2023. This trend indicates that children have been disproportionately affected in recent years. The elevated mortality rates underscore the urgent need for targeted public health interventions, including preventive measures and effective treatment protocols, especially for the pediatric population.

Conclusion(s): The typhoid fever crisis at Vom Christian Hospital presents a major public health challenge, especially for children, who are disproportionately affected. The hospital is strained by severe cases, including perforated typhoid, highlighting the need for urgent intervention. A comprehensive approach, combining hospital-based initiatives like renewable energy and essential medical supplies with community efforts in health education, water quality improvement, and sanitation, is vital to mitigate the crisis. This project highlights the urgent need and is part of a larger initiative aimed at mitigating the crisis.

Trends of Typhoid and Perforated Typhoid Cases in Children vs. Adults (2018-2023)
Graph illustrating the trends of total typhoid cases and perforated typhoid cases in children compared to adults over the last six years (2018-2023). The solid lines represent the total number of typhoid cases, while the dashed lines represent the perforated cases.

Trends of Typhoid and Perforated Typhoid Cases in Children vs. Adults (2018-2023)
Graph illustrating the trends of total typhoid cases and perforated typhoid cases in children compared to adults over the last six years (2018-2023). The solid lines represent the total number of typhoid cases, while the dashed lines represent the perforated cases.