Diphtheria outbreak claims over 100 lives in Karachi

KARACHI: Pakistan is facing a concerning surge in diphtheria cases, particularly in Karachi, claiming approximately 100 lives in the last few days prompting the National Institute of Health (NIH) to issue a serious warning.

The recent upsurge in diphtheria cases and associated mortality across various regions of the country has raised alarms, especially with the higher risk of transmissibility during the dry and cool season.

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.

The disease usually affects the throat and sometimes tonsils and can involve mucous membranes and skin. It can be classified based on the sites; anterior nasal, pharyngeal and tonsillar, laryngeal, cutaneous, ocular, and genital, which is crucial for manifestation, diagnosis, and treatment.

The tragic toll of over 100 deaths in Karachi alone has highlighted the urgent need for enhanced vaccination efforts, as many affected children have not received the necessary diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis (DTP) vaccinations.

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

Factors Contributing to the Resurgence

Firstly, the biggest reason for the surge in diphtheria is lapses in vaccination coverage, a decline in vaccination coverage, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, has contributed to the resurgence of diphtheria.

Secondly, Weakened Healthcare Infrastructure: Inadequate health budget, insufficient resources, shortage of healthcare workers, and inadequate facilities hinder the delivery of essential health services, including immunization.

Thirdly, Challenges in Reaching Remote Areas: Difficulty in accessing remote or underserved populations has exacerbated the issue.