Amidst the ongoing dengue season, Ferozepur, Punjab, has recorded its first-ever diphtheria-related death, raising concerns among local residents and health authorities. On October 8, 2024, at Guru Gobind Singh Medical College and Hospital in Faridkot, the victim—a three-year-old girl from Basti Awa Wali, Ferozepur—passed away from the illness. Her passing has sparked a panic among the neighborhood, prompting the local health agency to act quickly.
When the child first became sick on October 6, her parents went to a rural doctor for treatment. On October 8, nevertheless, her condition did not improve, and she was assigned to a private physician. At this point, it was evident how serious her disease was, and she was sent to the Faridkot Medical College to receive professional care. Sadly, despite her best efforts, she died while receiving treatment. Later on, the health department verified that the cause of her death was diphtheria, a dangerous bacterial infection that, if left untreated, can result in fatal respiratory problems.
Following the incident, Dr. Yuvraj Narang of the Ferozepur Civil Hospital said that, despite negative test results, another possible case of diphtheria had been found in the same area and that the patient’s health was now stable. The health department immediately conducted a thorough survey in the impacted areas, Basti Awa Wali and the nearby Basti Boriyawali, in an effort to stop the disease’s spread.
In the impacted colonies, the department dispatched eight teams, totaling twenty-four medical professionals, to perform door-to-door monitoring. Their objectives are to guarantee adequate immunization coverage and screen locals for any signs of diphtheria. According to the most recent reports, the teams have examined more than 200 homes in these communities, working through the holidays to guarantee thorough coverage. The severity of the situation is demonstrated by the health department’s quick response, since diphtheria can be extremely contagious and pose serious hazards to the public’s health.
Dr. Yuvraj stressed the significance of immunization and early detection in stopping the spread of diphtheria, especially in susceptible groups like children. Parents are being urged by public health experts to make sure their children have had all recommended vaccines, including the DPT (diphtheria, pertussis, tetanus) vaccine, which provides protection against the disease.
This episode serves as a reminder of the importance of maintaining surveillance and taking preventative actions to control infectious diseases like diphtheria, especially in the months when other epidemics, like dengue, are already placing a strain on public health systems.
SOURCE :
TIMES OF INDIA
