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