Why diphtheria is a concern: long-time vaccine, yet rising recent numbers | Explained News, The Indian Express

Why diphtheria is a concern: long-time vaccine, yet rising recent numbers | Explained News, The Indian Express

Written by Abantika Ghosh |New Delhi |Updated: June 28, 2019 5:17:45 am

Why diphtheria is a concern: long-time vaccine, yet rising recent numbers

Diphtheria is an infectious disease caused by Corynebacterium diphtheria, a bacterium. The primary infection is in the throat and upper airways.

In 2018, Delhi witnessed a diphtheria outbreak. A total of 25 children died in September, followed by 22 in October and 12 in November.

The diphtheria vaccine is among the oldest vaccines in India’s Universal Immunisation Programme, yet cases in the country have been going up over the last few years after showing a remarkable reduction in 2015. That is why the season’s first death due to diphtheria in Delhi has caused an alarm, with doctors assessing their preparedness.