The need for high index of suspicion in early diagnosis of typhoid fever in young children

BACKGROUND: The diagnosis of typhoid fever in young children is more difficult than in the adult due to the unusual pattern of presentation. This letter aims to sensitize general physicians and paediatricians on the need for a high index of suspicion in the diagnosis of typhoid fever in children. METHOD: The case records of a child diagnosed with typhoid fever and a review of literature on the subject were used. RESULT: A five year old female misdiagnosed as a case of severe malaria and sepsis was found to have typhoid fever on post mortem examination. CONCLUSION: It is important to make an early diagnosis of typhoid fever in young children in order to prevent mortality from this treatable disease.