Rajasthan's Deeg district is reeling from a devastating diphtheria outbreak that has claimed the lives of 7 children in just a month. The World Health Organization (WHO) has swiftly responded by sending a team to collaborate with state health officials to contain the outbreak.

A diphtheria outbreak in Rajasthan's Deeg district, specifically in the Kaman region, was first confirmed on September 14 by Chief Medical and Health Officer (CMHO) Dr Vijay Kumar Singhal, following the tragic death of seven-year-old Sumit. Within a short period, the situation escalated, with 24 confirmed cases and seven fatalities of young children aged 3 to 7 from Nagar, Kaman, and Phadi areas.

To combat the diphtheria outbreak, district health authorities swiftly issued a high alert and launched targeted vaccination drives and awareness campaigns. Medical teams ramped up screening efforts in Kaman and surrounding areas, collecting samples from suspected cases—primarily children—to identify and treat potential infections promptly.

Vaccination is the key to preventing diphtheria, yet this region has struggled with the disease due to entrenched superstitions and resistance to immunization. Despite numerous awareness drives and door-to-door vaccination efforts, many locals refuse to vaccinate their children, fueled by misconceptions about vaccine safety and efficacy.

What is Diphtheria?

Diphtheria is a contagious bacterial infection affecting children from newborns to 16 years old. This disease is caused by Corynebacterium diphtheriae which affects the respiratory system.

The bacteria produce a toxin that kills healthy tissues within 2-3 days of infection, forming a thick, gray coating (Pseudomembrane) in the nose, throat, tonsils, voice box, making breathing and swallowing difficult.

If left untreated, the toxin can cause heart, nerve, and kidney damage. Severe cases may lead to:

1. Blockage of the airway

2. Barking cough

3. Neck swelling

4. Inflammation and damage to heart muscle and nerves

5. Kidney problems

6. Bleeding issues

7. Paralysis

Transmission:

Diphtheria is easily transmitted person-to-person through: Airborne respiratory droplets from coughing or sneezing, by direct contact with an infected person and by contaminated objects and clothing.

Signs and Symptoms:

Diphtheria symptoms develop gradually, typically starting with a sore throat and fever. Common symptoms include:

1. Sore throat

2. Fever

3. Swollen neck glands

4. Weakness

5. Chills

6. Swollen lymph nodes

7. Skin sores

Treatment:

Diphtheria treatment involves:

• Antibiotics to combat bacterial infection.

• Diphtheria antitoxin to neutralize toxin effects.

Early administration can save lives. Additionally, the World Health Organization (WHO) recommends prophylactic antibiotics for individuals in close contact with infected cases.

Prevention:

Diphtheria can be effectively prevented through vaccination, typically administered in combination with tetanus, pertussis, and other diseases.

The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends a 6-dose vaccination schedule: Starting at 6 weeks of age, continuing through adolescence to providing long-term protection against diphtheria.

(Input from various sources)

(Rehash/Sai Sindhuja K/MSM)