The first outbreak of diphtheria in many decades in the mountainous Phuoc Loc commune of central Quang Nam province’s Phuoc Son district has claimed the lives of three locals so far this year.
According to the provincial Health Department, ten other people with diphtheria symptoms of high fever and swollen and painful throat are being treated at the district’s medical centre, and their conditions are improving.
Phuoc Loc commune is home to 23,635 people, 70 percent of whom are Bh’noong ethnic minorities, who still live on nomadic farming and have little access to health services.
The local health sector has zoned off the area and carried out disinfection while educating local residents on basic hygienic practices and encouraging them to get regular medical check-ups in order to timely detect diseases and receive treatment.
Diphtheria is a dangerous respiratory disease caused by a potent toxin produced by certain strains of the bacterium Corynebacterium diphtheriae. It is extremely contagious through coughing or sneezing. Risk factors include crowding, poor hygiene, and lack of immunization .
The disease can be treated and cured successfully with antitoxin and antibiotics if started early enough. The prevention of diphtheria is through vaccination.-VNA
According to the provincial Health Department, ten other people with diphtheria symptoms of high fever and swollen and painful throat are being treated at the district’s medical centre, and their conditions are improving.
Phuoc Loc commune is home to 23,635 people, 70 percent of whom are Bh’noong ethnic minorities, who still live on nomadic farming and have little access to health services.
The local health sector has zoned off the area and carried out disinfection while educating local residents on basic hygienic practices and encouraging them to get regular medical check-ups in order to timely detect diseases and receive treatment.
Diphtheria is a dangerous respiratory disease caused by a potent toxin produced by certain strains of the bacterium Corynebacterium diphtheriae. It is extremely contagious through coughing or sneezing. Risk factors include crowding, poor hygiene, and lack of immunization .
The disease can be treated and cured successfully with antitoxin and antibiotics if started early enough. The prevention of diphtheria is through vaccination.-VNA
