What you should know about Diphtheria disease

<p>Diphtheria is a serious bacterial infection that affects the nose, throat and sometimes, the skin of an individual. It is caused by a toxin from the bacteria, Corynebacterium diphtheria. The toxins begin to damage the body’s organs by spreading from the bloodstream to organs such as the heart and brain. If diphtheria spreads throughout the body, it can cause paralysis and heart failure. The disease also affects people of all age groups, especially unimmunised children.</p>, <p>How is Diphtheria transmitted Diphtheria can be transmitted by direct contact or through respiratory droplets from coughing or sneezing of an infected person. It may also be spread by contaminated clothing and objects.</p>, <p>A person is infectious for as long as the bacteria are present in respiratory secretions, usually two weeks without treatment, and seldom more than six weeks.</p>, <p>According to the Center for disease control (CDC) in rare cases, chronic carriers may spread the bacteria for six months or more</p>, <p>Symptoms of Diphtheria The first 2 – 5 days (could be as high as 10 days) after exposure:</p>, <p>Severe symptoms: – Thick grey or white patch (pseudo-membrane) on the tonsils and/or at the back of the throat – Colouration of the Skin. – Watery or bloody drainage from the nose. – Breathing Problem. – Drooling. – Swallowing Problems.</p>, <p>The Following People are at High Risk – When you are not completely immunised. – Exposure to someone infected with diphtheria. – Living in an unclean and crowded environment.</p>, <p>Diagnosis/Testing – PCR of swab material to detect the presence of the A and B subunits of the diphtheria toxin gene (tox) – Elek test – In other words, go to the hospital to be tested.</p>, <p>Treatments – Administration of a diphtheria antitoxin (DAT), administered intravenously or through an intramuscular injection. – Antibiotics can also be given to eliminate the bacteria to prevent transmission and toxin production to others. – Close contacts of the patient are to be monitored for signs and sympt