Khyber Pakhtunkhwa: In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), 380 cases of diphtheria have been reported this year, with 20 children losing their lives due to the disease, according to the health department.
The majority of deaths occurred in Peshawar, where 12 children died, followed by 3 each in Nowshera and Charsadda, and 2 in Mohmand.
The health department explained that most of the affected children had not completed their routine vaccinations at birth, leading to their vulnerability to diphtheria.
Health officials are urging the public to ensure that children receive their full vaccination course to protect against preventable diseases.
What is diphtheria?
It is a serious bacterial infection caused by Corynebacterium diphtheria and is highly contagious and can spread from person to person when an infected person coughs or sneezes.
The bacteria causing diphtheria produce toxins that damage tissues, causing swelling in the throat and the formation of a thick, grayish membrane that can obstruct breathing. It spreads through droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes, or by direct contact with infected wounds or objects.
Diphtheria Symptoms
It primarily affects the mucous membranes of the nose and throat but can also impact the skin and other parts of the body. The infection can lead to severe complications, including difficulty breathing, heart failure, paralysis, and even death if not treated promptly.
Other symptoms may include fever, sore throat, swollen neck glands, Weakness, A thick, grey coating that can cover tissues in the nose, tonsils, and throat, and Difficulty breathing and swallowing.
Diphtheria Treatment
The treatment includes antibiotics to get rid of the bacteria. For serious illnesses, diphtheria antitoxin is used to stop the bacterial toxin from causing damage.
The case-fatality ratio for diphtheria is 5%–10%. However, in children under five years and adults over 40 years, the fatality rate may be as much as 20%.
Vaccination is the most effective way to prevent this disease. The DTP vaccine (diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis) is routinely given to children to protect them from the disease. Without proper vaccination, this disease can be life-threatening.
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