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  • Typhoid and viral hepatitis in a child: revisiting the role of water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) and vaccines in the epidemiology of faecal-orally transmitted diseases

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Paediatrics
Typhoid and viral hepatitis in a child: revisiting the role of water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) and vaccines in the epidemiology of faecal-orally transmitted diseases
  1. Divya Bennet1,
  2. Sebin George Abraham2 and
  3. Jacob John2
  1. 1Paediatrics, Christian Medical College and Hospital Vellore, Vellore, Tamil Nadu, India
  2. 2Community Health, Christian Medical College and Hospital Vellore, Vellore, Tamil Nadu, India
  1. Correspondence to Dr Sebin George Abraham; sebin.george{at}cmcvellore.ac.in

Abstract

This case report describes Hepatitis A and typhoid infections in a child hailing from an urban site in India within 4 weeks, thereby highlighting systemic issues with water quality and public health. The case sheds light on the broader public health challenges faced by low- and middle-income countries, including inadequate WASH (water, sanitation and hygiene) facilities, contributing to high incidences of faecal-orally transmitted diseases. In 2016, poor WASH was responsible for 60% of diarrhoeal deaths. The Sustainable Development Goals aim to improve global water and sanitation by 2030, emphasising the need for equitable access. Interim solutions like vaccination and point-of-use water treatment are vital. Vaccination against typhoid and hepatitis is especially crucial in areas with high disease prevalence and rising antimicrobial resistance. We must advocate for these vaccines to be included in the National Immunisation Schedules to ensure widespread, equitable coverage and support public health.

  • Infections
  • Infection (gastroenterology)
  • Hepatitis other
  • Global Health
  • Foodborne infections

https://doi.org/10.1136/bcr-2024-262186

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    Footnotes

    • X @sebingab

    • Contributors The following authors were responsible for drafting the text, sourcing and editing clinical images, investigating results, drawing original diagrams and algorithms and critically revising the manuscript for important intellectual content: DB, SGA and JJ. The following authors gave final approval of the manuscript: DB, SGA and JJ. SGA is the guarantor.

    • Funding The authors have not declared a specific grant for this research from any funding agency in the public, commercial or not-for-profit sectors.

    • Case reports provide a valuable learning resource for the scientific community and can indicate areas of interest for future research. They should not be used in isolation to guide treatment choices or public health policy.

    • Competing interests None declared.

    • Provenance and peer review Not commissioned; externally peer reviewed.