Deaths from diphtheria in Algeria .. Has the forgotten disease returned?
The Algerian Ministry of Health announced yesterday evening, Friday, the registration of two deaths from diphtheria (croup) out of five confirmed cases, in the Skikda province in the eastern part of the country, prompting health authorities to activate maximum alert and initiate urgent epidemiological investigations.
An official statement issued by the ministry indicated that the victims are:
• A foreign man aged 25 years.
• A 12-year-old Algerian girl who had not received any dose of the diphtheria vaccine.
* Formation of a crisis cell and health mobilization
Upon detecting the cases, a crisis cell was formed at the level of the health and population directorate in Skikda to monitor the epidemiological situation on a daily and precise basis, and to take preventive and therapeutic measures in coordination with local authorities.
The ministry confirmed that medical teams immediately began extensive epidemiological investigations, which included all contacts of the confirmed cases, where they were subjected to preventive treatment and immediate vaccination, in a concerted effort to prevent the spread of infection.
* Proactive vaccination campaign and field containment
As part of the proactive measures, 514 people were vaccinated in the past 48 hours in the affected areas, amid official assurances that the epidemiological situation remains under control, while continuing to enhance epidemiological surveillance in all health facilities in the province.
* What is diphtheria?
Diphtheria (or croup) is a serious infection caused by a bacterium known as Corynebacterium diphtheriae.
Symptoms usually begin within 2 to 5 days of infection and can range from mild to severe.
* Initial symptoms include:
• Sore throat
• Fever
• Difficulty swallowing
• Stridor
• Swelling in the neck due to enlarged lymph nodes
In severe cases, the bacteria produce a toxic substance that leads to the formation of a thick gray or white membrane in the back of the throat, which can obstruct breathing and threaten life.
* Modes of transmission
Diphtheria spreads easily through:
1 _ Droplets from the cough or sneeze of an infected person
2 _ Direct contact with the infected person
3 _ Using contaminated tools with the bacteria
* Treatment
Diphtheria is treated through:
_ Diphtheria antitoxin administered intravenously or by intramuscular injection.
_ Antibiotics to eliminate the bacteria and reduce the spread of infection.
Doctors emphasize that the preventive vaccine remains the most effective means of protection against this deadly disease, and it is part of the basic vaccination programs in most countries around the world.
* Alert and warning
With the registration of these deaths, the Algerian Ministry of Health urges citizens, especially parents, to ensure that their children’s vaccination schedules are completed and not to neglect any unusual respiratory symptoms.
The ministry confirms that its field teams continue to work around the clock to ensure the safety of citizens and to monitor any potential developments in the epidemiological situation.
