PUBLIC HEALTH EMERGENCIES ; DIPHTHERIA (14) (10% payout to steemghana)

DIPHTHERIA

It is an acute and highly infectious disease that affects children particularly and is characterized by the formation of a false membrane in the throat and the skin.

CAUSES

The main cause of this condition is Corynebacterium. It is a bacteria that enters the body through the mouth and nose and attacks the mucous membrane. It initially starts as a sore throat and later leads to a serious condition or death.

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS

• Sore throat

• Difficulty in breathing

• Husky voice

• Nasal drainage

• Fever and weakness

• Runny nose

• Inflamed throat
  

  
  
  
  Source

• Blocked air throat
  

  
  
  
  Source

MANAGEMENT OF DIPHTHERIA

Immediately contact the Doctor if diphtheria is suspected. The following first aid measures may relieve the severity of some symptoms;

!. Let patient feel comfortable

1. Sponge down the patient to reduce fever
2. Keep the airway well open
3. Monitor breaths and check pulse regularly

NOTE

The best preventive measure for Diphtheria is vaccination in the first few days after birth. It is also one of the dangerous six killer diseases.

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Thank you for following through with today's session. I hope you have learned a lot.
The next lesson will be on DIPHTHERIA; another killer disease.

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Stay safe, practice social distancing, and don't forget to mask up. Peace ✌✌