Odisha is facing a diphtheria outbreak with 5 confirmed deaths and 18 suspected cases reported as of Wednesday. The Director of Public Health, Odisha, Nilakantha Mishra, announced that a vaccination campaign against diphtheria started on the same day. While the total number of suspected cases has decreased to 18, the number of deaths remains at 5.
The initial reports of deaths in the Kashipur area of Rayagada district triggered a response from the public health department, which has been conducting house-to-house surveys to verify the vaccination status of residents. Mishra stated that in Koraput, only one case has been detected, and in another location, 5 patients with cough and cold are being monitored, with 2 suspected of having diphtheria.
Diphtheria is a highly contagious bacterial infection that can affect the nose and throat, and sometimes the skin. If left untreated, it can be fatal. It is caused by strains of the bacterium ‘Corynebacterium diphtheria’ that produce toxins. Diphtheria can lead to breathing difficulties, heart rhythm problems, and even death.
This vaccine-preventable disease spreads primarily through coughs and sneezes, or close contact with an infected individual. It can also be transmitted through contact with contaminated objects such as toys or clothing used by an infected person.
