THE PREVALENCE OF TYPHOID FEVER AMONG TEENAGERS IN EGOR, BENIN CITY, EDO STATE, NIGERIA.

Typhoid fever remains a significant public health concern in developing countries, particularly among adolescents who are highly exposed to poor sanitation and unsafe water sources. Typhoid fever is a systemic infection caused by the bacterium Salmonella enterica serovar Typhi, transmitted primarily through the ingestion of food or water contaminated with the feces or urine of infected persons. This study examined the prevalence of typhoid fever among teenagers in Egor Local Government Area of Edo State, Nigeria. A descriptive survey design was adopted, and data were collected using a structured questionnaire. Descriptive and inferential statistics were employed for data analysis. Findings revealed that the majority of respondents demonstrated a high level of knowledge about the causes, symptoms, and prevention of typhoid fever. However, the prevalence of typhoid fever among teenagers was considerably high, as over 60% reported having contracted the disease at least once. Preventive practices such as regular handwashing, proper waste disposal, and consumption of treated water were moderately observed, though vaccination uptake remained low. Statistical analysis indicated a significant positive relationship between knowledge level and preventive practices, implying that improved awareness enhances health behavior among teenagers. The study concludes that while knowledge of typhoid fever is relatively high, poor sanitation and inconsistent preventive measures contribute to its continued prevalence