Vaccination termed vital against diphtheria

PESHAWAR: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Director Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI) Dr Muhammad Arif Khan said on Wednesday that diphtheria was a life-threatening disease and timely vaccination was the sole way to prevent fatal ailment and its outbreaks in the community.

He said that diphtheria was an infectious disease caused by the bacterium Corynebacterium diphtheriae.“It primarily affects the throat and upper respiratory tract but can also lead to systemic complications. Diphtheria is known for the formation of a greyish-white membrane in the throat, which can cause difficulty in breathing and swallowing,” said a handout quoting him as saying.

He said that in the current year, 259 diphtheria suspected cases had been reported from most districts of the province. Highest burden of disease lies in the group of 7-15 years whereas it has affected senior age citizens as well.

Major burden of disease lies in Peshawar, Kohat, Charsadda, Khyber, Bannu, Mardan, Nowshera, Karak, Dera Ismail Khan, Malakand, Dir Upper, Batgram, Swabi, Mansehra, South Waziristan, Shangla, Lakki Marwat, Tank, Buner, Kurram Lower, Kohistan Lower, Chitral, Bajaur, Tor Ghar, Swat, Mohmand, Hangu, and Dir Lower.

Dr Arif said that the disease was highly contagious and could spread from person to person through respiratory droplets or by touching contaminated objects. Diphtheria can lead to serious health problems, especially in children and unvaccinated individuals.

He added that if the disease is left untreated, the toxins produced by the bacteria can cause damage to vital organs, including the heart, lungs, liver, and nerves, which can result in severe complications and even death.

The EPI director underscored the importance of the pivotal role of paediatricians in the battle against diphtheria. He reiterated the necessity of isolating diphtheria patients in hospitals to prevent the spread of infection to others. He urged the parents to seek immediate medical attention from paediatricians if their children show signs of throat swelling or difficulty in swallowing for timely management and preventing further outbreaks.

In response to suspected cases of diphtheria in children under five years of age, the district EPI teams act swiftly by vaccinating all children in affected areas and union councils.

In the complicated stage of diphtheria, patients are left with limited treatment options, including the rare and costly Anti Diphtheria Serum (ADS).

Dr Arif implored parents and caregivers, who have not yet vaccinated their children to make their way to the nearest vaccination centres without delay. Timely vaccination is a simple yet profoundly effective measure that can significantly contribute to saving children’s lives and containing the spread of this deadly disease.