Two die of diphtheria in Durban

TWO young children have died after contracting diphtheria in eThekwini, and the city has called on parents to ensure their children are vaccinated.

The children, an 11-year-old boy and 10-year-old girl, lived in the Danganya area, in the south of eThekwini.

One other child from that area was affected, as was another child from Malukazi, near Isipingo.

Diphtheria, according to the World Health Organisation (WHO), is an infectious disease caused by the bacterium Corynebacterium diphtheriae, which primarily infects the throat and upper airways, and produces a toxin affecting other organs. Some of the symptoms include sore throat, low fever and swollen glands in the neck. The toxin causes a membrane of dead tissue to build up over the throat and tonsils, making breathing and swallowing difficult.

The disease is spread through direct physical contact or in the air. Diphtheria is fatal in 5 – 10% of cases, with a higher mortality rate in young children. Vaccines are given to young children, and it can be treated.

Yesterday, eThekwini Municipality spokesperson Mandla Nsele confirmed the two deaths, saying: “Parents are urged to ensure that children up to 12 years of age are vaccinated against diphtheria.

“If a child does present the above-mentioned symptoms, it is important to visit your nearest health care facility immediately. The disease is contagious and can be fatal if not treated timeously. Vaccinations for diphtheria are available free of charge at all public health care centres around eThekwini Municipality.”