Immunisation for specific diseases

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Immunisation for specific diseases

Common Childhood Diseases

Disease - Diphtheria

What is diphtheria?

Diphtheria is a bacterial infection that occurs quickly and spreads easily. The nose and throat are the main affected areas. It is a very contagious disease and can be a potentially life-threatening infection. The age groups that are most at risk for contracting this infection are children under 5 and adults who are over 60 years. Children and adults who do not have up-to-date immunizations are also at risk, likewise with people who live in crowed or unclean conditions. Also those who are not well nourished are also at risk.

People get diphtheria by breathing in diphtheria bacteria after an infected person has coughed or sneezed. Diphtheria spreads from person to person very easily. Diphtheria can also be contracted from a close contact with discharged from an infected persons mouth, throat, skin or nose.

Causes and Symptoms of diphtheria

Diphtheria can be mistaken for a bad sore throat in the early stages. Other early symptoms include a low-grade fever and swollen neck glands. 'It is caused by a pathogenic bacterium Corynebacterium diphtheriae. This bacterium multiplies quickly spreading through the upper