Diphtheria continues to infect teenagers and adolescents in the State, mainly in communities with a history of poor vaccination.
In the last three months, the State-run Sir Ronald Ross Institute of Tropical and Communicable Diseases or the Government Fever Hospital alone has reported seven deaths due to complications arising out of Diphtheria.
According to doctors at the hospital, the individuals found to be infected with causative bacteria, are under-immunised.
Vaccination
“We found that those catching the infection have not been vaccinated adequately or have not been vaccinated at all. Among the two groups of people who we have treated are those who are migrants and others that avoid vaccination citing religious views,” said Fever Hospital Superintendent Shankar.
The Fever Hospital had last year created an additional isolation ward to treat the highly contagious infection.
This year too the load of patients warranted a measure but the discharge of a few patients has reduced the burden.
Treatable
“Diphtheria is endemic to India and every year during the last three months, we see infections. Around 20 people are now being treated,” Dr. Shankar added.
While in most cases, the infection is treatable, it can affect other organs, mainly the heart, and cause death. The bacterium can cause inflammation of the heart muscle and render it dysfunctional. Called diphtheria myocarditis, the condition warrants intensive care.
For decades, the trivalent DPT vaccine has helped greatly cut down diphtheria infections but State’s health administration admits floating populations are difficult to monitor. As for communities averse to vaccination, officials say efforts are constantly made to educate them to clear misconceptions.