How dangerous is diphtheria?

To date, Quang Nam province has recorded three deaths due to diphtheria. So, what is diphtheria? Who is susceptible to the disease? How can it be prevented?

Mechanism of diphtheria transmission

According to Associate Professor Dr. Tran Dac Phu, Director of the Department of Preventive Medicine, Ministry of Health, diphtheria is an acute infectious and toxic disease caused by the diphtheria bacterium; it is commonly found in young children, but can also occur in adults if they lack immunity. The disease is easily transmitted through the respiratory tract or through direct contact with secretions from the nasal and throat mucosa of patients or asymptomatic carriers when coughing or sneezing, especially in densely populated areas or places with poor sanitation.

The disease can manifest in varying degrees of severity, often presenting as a white pseudomembrane on the tonsils, pharynx, larynx, and nose. It may also appear on the skin and other mucous membranes such as the conjunctiva of the eyes or the genitals. In severe cases, it can lead to complications and death.

"Previously, the disease was quite prevalent in most localities across the country; since the diphtheria vaccine was included in the expanded immunization program, the disease has been controlled and only a few isolated cases have been recorded due to unvaccinated individuals, usually occurring in remote areas with low vaccination rates. Currently, diphtheria has not been eradicated in our country, therefore people can still contract the disease if they lack immunity due to not being vaccinated and coming into contact with the pathogen," Mr. Phu said.

Mr. Phu stated that for many years, there have been virtually no recorded cases of diphtheria in young children nationwide. However, in the last two years, scattered small outbreaks (1 case/outbreak) have been recorded in some localities such as Nghe An and Gia Lai. The cases are adults who have not been vaccinated.

"Diphtheria usually attacks young children, while adults can carry the bacteria without showing symptoms and can be a source of infection for children. Delaying vaccination for young children is a major reason for the resurgence of diphtheria. Therefore, children need to be fully vaccinated," Mr. Phu advised.

What are the complications of diphtheria?

According to Mr. Phu, diphtheria is dangerous because it can cause complications affecting the heart, bronchi, and lungs, leading to death if not treated early.

According to Master's degree holder Nguyen Hong Ha, Vice President of the Vietnam Infectious Diseases Association, in the past, before vaccines were available, the mortality rate among patients was 15-20%.

There are two forms of severe diphtheria that cause myocarditis, leading to heart failure, kidney failure, and splenic necrosis. The most common complication in diphtheria patients is myocarditis, which can appear early in the first few days of the illness but can also occur later, 3-5 weeks after recovery.

Peripheral neuritis complications can cause paralysis of cranial nerves, leading to paralysis of the palatine muscles, oculomotor muscles, flaccid paralysis of the limbs, diaphragmatic and intercostal muscles, and respiratory failure. In recent years, no cases of diphtheria have been recorded in Northern Vietnam.

To treat diphtheria, the principle is to neutralize the diphtheria toxin as early as possible. Doctors will administer antiserum against malignant diphtheria virus. Previously, treatment mainly used horse antiserum, but recently this type of serum is no longer produced because diphtheria is less common.

Is vaccination the best way to prevent disease?

Vaccination is the best way to prevent diphtheria in vulnerable groups, such as children.

According to experts at the National Institute of Hygiene and Epidemiology, the most effective way to prevent diphtheria is to maintain a high vaccination rate in the community. In most countries, the diphtheria toxoid vaccine is administered along with the pertussis and tetanus toxoid vaccines (diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis vaccine). Recently, some countries have used combination vaccines including diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, hepatitis B, and sometimes even Hib vaccine.

Every 10 years, a booster dose of the adult vaccine, tetanus-diphtheria toxoid (Td), is needed to maintain immunity.

According to Suckhoedoisong.vn