The National Institute of Health (NIH) has warned all the provinces of Pakistan to stay alert in view of the outbreak of the fatal bacterial disease, Diphtheria during the winter season.
Amid a new subvariant of Covid spreading across the country, Pakistan is probably on the verge of a new contagious disease outbreak. CDC has also included the bacterial Diphtharial infection in their seasonal awareness and alert letter issued during the winter for the months of November to February 2023.
Last year, 26 cases of Diphtheria were reported across the country. Corynebacterium diphtheriae, which spreads through respiratory droplets can cause breathing difficulties, and heart problems, and may even lead to death.
NIH has issued an advisory to the provinces to stay alert for providing health facilities to the people during the disease outbreak as the chances of the bacterial spread are the highest till the month of February.
Diphtheria affects the throat and tonsils and the symptoms of the disease include wheezing, sore throat, and mild to high-grade fever. The presence of the bacteria is confirmed by PCR testing and the disease spreads through contact so the infected patients are advised to stay isolated in view of the prevention of the disease spread.