At least seven children have died in Rajasthan’s Deeg district due to a bacterial infection called diphtheria, which can be prevented by vaccination.

Diphtheria is a serious bacterial infection caused by Corynebacterium diphtheriae, which primarily affects the mucous membranes of the throat and nose.

However, it can also affect the skin in some cases. The infection spreads through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes and can also spread through direct contact with contaminated surfaces.

“Diphtheria is a highly infectious disease, and prompt treatment is essential to prevent serious complications,” said Dr Tushar Tayal, consultant, internal medicine, CK Birla Hospital, Gurugram.

Symptoms and Complications

Symptoms of diphtheria can vary but often include sore throat, hoarseness, thick brown layer on the throat or tonsils, swollen lymph nodes, fever, and fatigue. In some cases, sores or ulcers may also develop on the skin.

According to Dr. Tayal, “One of the most characteristic symptoms of diphtheria is a thick brown membrane forming in the throat, which can block the airway and make breathing difficult.”

If left untreated, diphtheria can cause serious complications such as myocarditis (inflammation of the heart), neuropathy (nerve damage) and breathing problems due to airway blockage.

Symptoms of Children vs Adults

The severity of diphtheria symptoms can vary between children and adults. “In children, diphtheria manifests with more severe symptoms, such as high fever, difficulty swallowing and an increased risk of airway obstruction due to thickened membranes in the throat,” Dr Tayal said.

Children also have a higher risk of developing complications such as myocarditis, a condition when the heart muscle becomes inflamed. It becomes difficult for the heart to pump blood.

Adults, especially those who have been vaccinated, may experience mild symptoms such as sore throat, hoarseness and low-grade fever.

However, unvaccinated adults or those with weakened immune systems may still encounter severe disease, some of whom may even develop skin diphtheria.

treatment and prevention

Diphtheria is treated with antitoxins to neutralize the toxin produced by the bacteria and antibiotics to eliminate the infection. Supportive care is also provided to manage symptoms.

Prevention is important, and diphtheria vaccine, part of the DTaP/Tdap vaccines, is the most effective approach.

“Regular vaccination for children and booster doses for adults are important to prevent the spread of diphtheria, as immunity can wane over time,” Dr. Tayal said.

By recognizing symptoms early and ensuring appropriate vaccination, diphtheria can be effectively managed and prevented.