Caretaker federal minister for health issues alert to prevent Diphtheria outbreak

ISLAMABAD: The seasonal rise in Diphtheria cases, Caretaker Federal Minister for Health, Dr. Nadeem Jan, has directed the National Institute of Health (NIH) to release a comprehensive advisory aimed at preventing the spread of this infectious disease.

Diphtheria, which tends to see a slight uptick during the winter months, is currently being closely monitored in Pakistan. However, Minister Nadeem Jan emphasized that the likelihood of widespread outbreaks remains low within the country.

The advisory, issued by NIH, is primarily intended to educate and inform healthcare institutions about the necessary preventive and control measures needed to curb the potential spread of Diphtheria. Minister Nadeem Jan called upon health departments and relevant authorities to implement these precautionary measures promptly.

Diphtheria is a highly contagious disease transmitted from person to person, primarily through physical contact, coughing, and sneezing. To safeguard against Diphtheria, Minister Nadeem Jan stressed the importance of parents ensuring their children receive vaccinations according to the recommended schedule. In the event of illness, he also advised seeking immediate consultation with a qualified medical practitioner.

Minister Nadeem Jan further highlighted the significance of practicing good hygiene, as it plays a pivotal role in preventing the spread of Diphtheria. Simple hygiene measures, such as proper handwashing and respiratory etiquette, can contribute significantly to reducing the risk of transmission.