A review of typhoid infection in Jamaica - abstract

ABSTRACT

During the period 1952-1959 there were two major epidemics of typhoid in Jamaica and 121 documented cases of typhoid infection were treated at the University College Hospital. Diagnosis was made mainly on culture of the organism and less reliance was placed on Widal agglutinations as T.A.B. inoculations are frequently given prophylactically in Jamaica. This disease was found to be mainly one of the young age groups. Although most cases responded to treatment, there was a relapse rate of 8 percent. Despite chloramphenicol, deaths continue to occur and a mortality rate of 5.8 percent found. The cost of treatment runs to thousands of pounds - a wasteful effort against a preventable disease (AU)