What is the disease diphtheria? Learn about the illness that killed five people in Odisha, India.

Concerns have been raised in the east Indian state of Odisha due to a potential epidemic of diphtheria, which is believed to have killed five people.

On Wednesday, June 19, Nilakantha Mishra, the director of public health for Odisha, announced that 18 suspected instances of diphtheria had also been found in the state and that the vaccination campaign against the infection had started.

“There is only one case found in Koraput… Two of the five patients in Kalahandi who have a cough and cold could have diphtheria. There were once 21 suspected instances, but now there are only 18. There have been no additional deaths; the overall number of deaths is still 5. As of today, the immunization has begun, Mishra informed the news agency ANI.

Earlier, Mishra stated that following five deaths from diphtheria in the Kashipur region of Rayagada district, the state health department had increased efforts to stop the spread and was surveying households door to door to ascertain immunization status.

“In that area, there have been five fatalities, ten affected but stable individuals receiving care… “We are conducting a door-to-door survey and confirming the status of vaccinations,” the Odisha Public Health Director stated.

A very contagious infection, diphtheria can affect the skin, throat, and nose. If you don’t treat it, it can become fatal.

Toxic strains of the bacteria Corynebacterium diphtheria are the cause of the vaccine-preventable sickness.

The sickness may result in trouble breathing, problems with heart rhythm, or even death.

The primary means of transmission for diphtheria include coughs and sneezes, as well as close contact with an infected person.

Additionally, it can spread through tangible items used by an infected individual, such as clothing or toys.