Diphtheria, a deadly contagious disease, is making headlines following an outbreak in Nigeria. If you hear this word for the first time Let us tell you more about this contagious health issue. Children, in particular, are more susceptible to the external environment and more prone to serious infections such as diphtheria.
What is diphtheria?
Diphtheria is a bacterial infection caused by Corynebacterium Diphtheriae variegated with species Corynebacterium (C. Diphtheriae and C. Ulcerans) This is a highly contagious disease spread by respiratory droplets. flu-like It affects children under 18 and adults over 60 the most.
Types of diphtheria
There are two types of diphtheria: those that affect the neck and those that affect the skin.
in diphtheria in the neck The back of the neck is covered with a thick gray sheet. The bacteria in diphtheria on the skin cause rashes and sores on the body. This disease causes many complications such as inability to breathe normally. airway obstruction nerve damage heart muscle damage and eventually kidney failure
Symptoms of diphtheria
Diphtheria is a serious condition that kills many people. Therefore, it is important to be aware of its symptoms. Some of the common symptoms of diphtheria in children include:
* fever: The first symptom of diphtheria is the onset of fever in children. The fever may start out mild. But over time it can reach a high level.
* Gray membrane on the back of the neck: This is a big sign of the disease. And the public must take immediate action and bring the child to the doctor for accurate diagnosis and treatment.
* Chronic cough: due to a blockage in the throat Therefore, children are often seen trying to clear their throats and having a dry cough.
* swollen glands: Your child’s throat swells up when bacteria attack it. making it clearly visible from the outside
* Restlessness in the body: This disease steals the body’s energy and makes the child weak and restless due to extreme discomfort.
* Cutaneous diphtheria: This condition causes skin lesions with gray-brown patches. Diphtheria can sometimes cause infections of the ears, eyes (conjunctivitis), and the genital tract.
* wound: Destroy the edges and fascia of the skin. The bacteria cause itchy rashes and painful sores on the skin.
Read more: New moms! Learn the heart vaccination list for your child’s better health.
diphtheria treatment
in the past year The number of infected people is decreasing. But India still reports half of all infections globally. There is an urgent need for proper surveillance and vaccination to avoid severe episodes of diphtheria, which can be fatal.
A simple cure for this disease is the diphtheria vaccination. This is given to children at 6 weeks of age. After 15 to 18 months, one booster dose is given. followed by another dose between the ages of 4 and 5. Parents must speak with a medical advisor to determine if their child has been vaccinated against diphtheria. And if not, must immediately go get the vaccine according to the dose
