Diphtheria
Diphtheria is a dangerous bacterial illness that primarily targets the throat and nose but may also affect the skin and internal organs. Caused by Corynebacterium diphtheriae, this spreads from person to person through respiratory droplets, making it highly contagious in the absence of vaccination. While it’s rare in countries with established immunisation programmes, pockets of outbreaks still occur, especially where vaccination rates are low.
The infection causes a thick grey membrane to form across the throat or tonsils, leading to serious breathing or swallowing difficulties. If untreated, the bacteria’s toxins can damage the heart, kidneys, and nervous system, sometimes fatally. This disease remains life-threatening without immediate treatment, particularly in vulnerable groups.
Although largely eliminated in the UK and many Western countries, diphtheria still appears in areas of conflict, displacement, or poverty. In South Africa, routine immunisation through the public health system has significantly reduced the cases, but lapses in vaccine coverage have led to isolated outbreaks. These incidents highlight the need for ongoing vigilance and public education.
Diphtheria
Globally, vaccine hesitancy and uneven access to healthcare services are contributing to the disease’s re-emergence in some regions. Public health organisations stress the importance of the DTP (diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis) vaccine as a cornerstone of disease prevention. Despite progress, diphtheria continues to threaten communities with low immunisation uptake or declining booster compliance.
Early recognition, immediate treatment, and strong immunisation efforts remain essential to control and eventually eliminate diphtheria on a global scale.
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