Diphtheria re-emerges

Recently, Ha Giang province recorded more than 30 suspected cases of diphtheria, including one death. Notably, all cases were 4 years old or older, the 15-year-old deceased had unclear epidemiological factors as he did not travel out of the locality and did not come into contact with infected people, and no one in the family had a similar disease.

Previously, in May 2023, Dien Bien province also recorded 2 cases of diphtheria, including 1 death of a 10-year-old girl, also without clear epidemiological factors.

Thus, after nearly 20 years of absence, diphtheria is now returning to remote areas with low vaccination rates. This is a warning bell, if not thoroughly prevented, this dangerous disease will continue to break out and spread in the community.

According to the Department of Preventive Medicine (Ministry of Health), diphtheria is a respiratory infectious disease that can spread rapidly and is currently still classified as a group B infectious disease.

The disease is easily transmitted through the respiratory tract, or through direct contact with secretions from the nasal and throat mucosa of patients, or healthy people carrying the virus when coughing or sneezing, especially in crowded residential areas, or places where hygiene conditions are not guaranteed.

Symptoms can range from mild to severe, often with white pseudomembranes in the tonsils, pharynx, larynx, nose, and can appear on the skin, other mucous membranes such as the conjunctiva or genitals. Severe cases can cause complications and death.

To prevent the disease, people need to be fully vaccinated according to the expanded immunization program: vaccinated when children are 2, 3, 4 months old, 3 times 30 days apart. Booster shots when children are 18-24 months old, 4-6 years old and every 10 years.