Diphtheria

This  disease generally  occurs  in  children  of  1-5  years of  age.
Pathogen  : Rod-shaped  bacterium  (Cornybacterium  diphtherea)
Mode of Transmission  : Through  air  (droplet  infection)
Incubation period  : 2-4  days



Symptoms:


(i) Slight  fever, Sore  throat  and general  indisposition.
(ii) Oozing semisolid material in the throat which develops into a  tough membrane.
The membrane may cause clogging  (blocking) of air passage,  resulting  into
death.
Prevention  and  cure
(i) Immediate medical  attention  should be  given.
(ii) Babies  should  be given DPT vaccine.
(iii) Sputum, oral  and nasal discharges of  the  infected child  should be disposed
off.
(iv) Antibiotics may be  given  under doctor’s  supervision.
(v) Isolation of  the  infected  child.

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