ISLAMABAD: The National Institute of Health (NIH) issued an advisory to curb the spread of diphtheria amid a recent surge in cases.
According to NIH advisory, diphtheria is a highly contagious disease caused by a toxin produced by Corynebacterium diphtheriae, primarily affecting the throat and sometimes the tonsils.
“With an increasing number of diphtheria cases and associated fatalities across various regions and the heightened risk of transmission during the dry and cool season, healthcare authorities must proactively implement prevention and control measures to halt further spread,” stated the advisory.
The advisory recommends boosting vaccine coverage, enhancing surveillance for early detection, ensuring accurate case reporting and response, implementing effective case management, and promoting public health education.
Diphtheria can affect various areas, including the throat, mucous membranes, skin, and other sites, with classifications based on infection location—such as nasal, pharyngeal, tonsillar, laryngeal, cutaneous, ocular, and genital. These classifications are key to diagnosing and treating the disease effectively.
“Diphtheria affects individuals of all ages, though unvaccinated children under five are most at risk. The case fatality rate ranges from 5 to 17 per cent among unvaccinated individuals. Early detection and accurate diagnosis, alongside effective case management using diphtheria antitoxins or recommended antibiotics, are vital to saving lives,” the advisory says.