Explainer: What is diphtheria, its symptoms, and how to prevent it?
Recently, the Department of Health has confirmed that a 10-year-old girl has passed away due to diphtheria.
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KAMI learned that the health department also confirmed that diphtheria caused 40 deaths in the country starting from January to September.
What is diphtheria?
According to the World Health Organization, diphtheria is an infectious disease caused by Corynebacterium diphtheria.
This disease mainly affects the throat and upper airways. It also produces a toxin that could affect other organs.
It can spread through physical contact or from breathing, coughs, or sneezes of an infected person.
What are the symptoms?
- Sore throat
- Difficulty in swallowing
- Low fever
- Swollen glands in the neck
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How to prevent diphtheria?
Diphtheria could be prevented by immunization of infants at ages 6 weeks, 10 weeks, and 14 weeks. Meanwhile, three booster doses can still be given those at 12-23 months, 4-7 years, and 9-15 years.
Is there a treatment for diphtheria?
Yes, diphtheria could be treated. It involves diphtheria antitoxin to neutralize the effects of the toxin. Antibiotics could also be used to kill the bacteria.
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According to the DOH, there was a slight increase in the cases of diphtheria this year. From 122 cases last year, about 167 cases have been recorded this time.
However, the health department said that the trend so far is not “threatening.”
Stay safe and healthy!
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HumanMeter was lucky to ask Jacob Batalon, who plays Spiderman’s friend Ned Leeds, several questions when he visited the Philippines. Also, check out his message to Filipino fans – on KAMI HumanMeter YouTube channel!
Source: KAMI.com.gh
