The Health Department has intensified preventive measures in the district after a resident of Darul Uloom Al-Islamic Arabic College, Oachira, was diagnosed with diphtheria. While one student tested positive for diphtheria, throat swabs of five suspected cases, along with the samples of the patient’s brother, have been sent to the State Public Health Lab, Thiruvananthapuram.
Contagious
Since the disease is highly contagious, all the residents of the institute have been administered Erythromycin as a precautionary measure. While 224 among the total 260 residents have not shown any symptoms, the rest 36 who reported sore throat and fever will be given the medicine for 14 days. “The student in Oachira was not vaccinated against diphtheria though vaccines are being administered free of cost to children at all government hospitals to prevent the infection. It is a matter of serious concern as children should not be denied their right to vaccination,” said District Medical Officer V.V. Shirley.
Diphtheria, which mainly infects children, is an airborne disease spreading through direct contact. “Direct transmission takes place through sneezing and coughing while children can also contract the disease by using the plates, clothes, or toys touched by the infected person. Chances for transmission are more in highly populated areas and if a case is confirmed, all persons with fever and sore throat should seek immediate medical assistance. The infection can be mortal if not treated properly as it affects the heart and brain. Anti-serum injections are the main treatment and those infected should be isolated. The patient should be given complete rest for two weeks and fluid flood is recommended. Pregnant women and children should take the vaccine to prevent the disease,” she said.
Kollam District Medical Office in association with National Health Mission (NHM) and Community Health Centre, Oachira, has already started fever monitoring in the district.
