NIH sounds alarm over rising Diphtheria cases in Pakistan

ISLAMABAD: The National Institute of Health (NIH) has issued a serious warning regarding a rise in diphtheria cases across Pakistan, particularly in Karachi.

“Considering the emerging situation of recent upsurge of diphtheria cases and associated mortality across various regions of the country and higher risk of transmissibility during the dry and cool season, it is of eminent importance that healthcare authorities should proactively implement prevention and control strategies in order to halt the ongoing transmission,” the advisory said.

Health officials have reported fatalities and numerous infections, particularly highlighting a tragic toll of over 100 deaths in Karachi alone.

Diphtheria, caused by the bacterium Corynebacterium diphtheriae, primarily affects the respiratory system and can lead to severe complications, including respiratory distress and death if not treated promptly.

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The advisory added that diphtheria usually affects the throat and sometimes tonsils and can involve mucous membrane and skin. It can be classified based on the sites; anterior nasal, pharyngeal and tonsillar, laryngeal, cutaneous, ocular and genital. These classifications are important for manifestation, diagnosis and treatment of disease.

“Diphtheria affects individuals of all ages, but unimmunised children under 5 years of age are most commonly affected

Due to rising diphtheria cases in Pakistan, the NIH emphasized the urgent need for enhanced vaccination efforts, as many affected children have not received the necessary diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis (DTP) vaccinations.

The advisory noted that diphtheria spreads rapidly in crowded and unhygienic environments, common in urban slums and public gatherings.

The NIH has also called for better training for healthcare providers in early diagnosis and management of the disease to prevent further fatalities.