Bhubaneswar: After its outbreak in Kashipur area of Rayagada, diphtheria is spreading its tentacles in Koraput and Kalahandi districts as well.
A total of 21 cases of bacterial infection have been reported from these three districts so far. Samples have been sent for examination while special health teams are conducting surveillance and taking other precautionary measures.
As per reports, diphtheria has claimed the lives of five in the state so far. 15 cases have been reported in Rayagada, 1 in Koraput and the remaining 4 to 5 cases in Kalahandi. The condition of the one case reported from Koraput is said to be critical. The overall situation in Rayagada district is said to be stable.
Anti-diphtheria serum has been brought and they are been given to the infected persons. The WHO team along with health department officials are visiting villages in the affected districts of the state. The health department officials have urged people to use masks as a precautionary measure.
Public Health Director Nilakantha Mishra said, “1 case has been detected from Bandhugaon and has been shifted to MKCG. The survey is on in Kalahandi and we suspected 3 to 4 cases from there. The diphtheria cases reported mainly due to strain change or immunity deficiency. We are analysing it. There is nothing to panic as people are vaccinated. The virus is susceptible to antibiotics. If needed, vaccines will be re-administered.”
Mishra said that all the standard procedures to check transmission during an airborne epidemics are being followed.
The Health Department has decided to administer booster doses in Kashipur. As per reports, children up to 1 year will be given pentadose and children between 5 to 15 years of age will be administered TD dose.
Dr Sanjukta Sahu, Director Family Welfare Department, informed, “A letter has been issued for booster immunization in Rayagada and the district will execute it with proper guidance of all stakeholders. Booster doses can be given to all. Pentadose will be given to those who have not taken it. TD dose will be given to those from 5 to 15 years.”
