Widespread vaccination programs led to a decline in diphtheria cases, but recent trends show a resurgence.
Global coverage of the third dose of the diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis (DTP3) vaccine reached 84% in 2022, nearly back to pre-pandemic levels.
However, disparities exist, with low-income countries lagging behind in vaccination rates.
What is the news?
The World Health Organization (WHO) has recently issued a concerning report highlighting the rise of diphtheria, a once-common childhood disease that can be fatal. This editorial delves into the causes of this resurgence, the dangers of diphtheria, and the critical steps needed to control its spread.
A Forgotten Threat:
For decades, widespread vaccination programs led to a dramatic decline in diphtheria cases. According to the WHO, global coverage of the third dose of the diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis (DTP3) vaccine reached 84% in 2022, nearly back to pre-pandemic levels. However, this statistic masks significant disparities. Low-income countries continue to lag behind, with many children lacking complete vaccination. Additionally, complacency regarding vaccination and disruptions in immunization efforts due to the COVID-19 pandemic have created a breeding ground for the resurgence of this deadly disease.
The Dangers of Diphtheria:
Diphtheria is a highly contagious bacterial infection that primarily affects the throat and nose. It can cause difficulty breathing, paralysis, heart failure, and even death. Children under the age of five are particularly vulnerable. The WHO reports a fatality rate of 5-10% for diphtheria cases, highlighting the severity of the illness.
Symptoms to Watch Out For:
Early symptoms of diphtheria include sore throat, fever, and fatigue. A thick, grayish membrane may form in the throat, making breathing difficult. Prompt medical attention is crucial to prevent complications and death.
The Urgency of Vaccination:
Vaccination is the most effective way to prevent diphtheria. The DTaP vaccine, which protects against diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis, is recommended for all children. Adults should also ensure they are up-to-date on their diphtheria vaccinations. The WHO recommends a complete three-dose primary series for children, followed by booster doses throughout childhood and adolescence for sustained immunity.
Combating the Resurgence:
Several critical steps are necessary to control the spread of diphtheria:
Increased Vaccination Rates: Public health campaigns should emphasize the importance of vaccination and encourage parents to have their children vaccinated according to the recommended schedule. The focus should be on reaching unvaccinated and under-vaccinated populations, particularly in low-resource settings.
Improved Surveillance: Healthcare professionals need to be vigilant in identifying potential cases of diphtheria and reporting them promptly to health authorities. This allows for early intervention, isolation of cases, and contact tracing to prevent further spread.
Strengthening Healthcare Systems: Ensuring access to quality healthcare and essential medications like diphtheria antitoxin is crucial for effective treatment. Investments in healthcare infrastructure and personnel are essential to manage potential outbreaks.
Combating Misinformation: Addressing vaccine hesitancy and misinformation surrounding vaccines is essential to ensure high vaccination coverage. Educational campaigns promoting the safety and efficacy of vaccines are crucial to build public trust and encourage immunization.
Conclusion:
The resurgence of diphtheria serves as a stark reminder of the importance of maintaining robust immunization programs. By prioritizing vaccination, healthcare access, and public education, we can effectively combat this dangerous disease and protect future generations. Let us not allow past victories to become future failures. The fight against vaccine-preventable diseases like diphtheria requires continued vigilance, a collective effort, and closing the gap in global vaccination coverage.
Key facts:
Diphtheria is a disease caused by a bacterium that affects the upper respiratory tract and less often the skin. It also produces a toxin that damages the heart and the nerves.
Diphtheria is a vaccine preventable disease, but multiple doses and booster doses are needed to produce and sustain immunity.
Those who are not immunized or under immunized are at risk of the disease.
Diphtheria is fatal in 5–10% of cases, with a higher mortality rate in young children.
Recent diphtheria outbreaks stress the importance of sustaining high levels of vaccination coverage in communities across the life course.
In 2022, an estimated 84% of children worldwide received the recommended 3 doses of diphtheria-containing vaccine during infancy, leaving 16% with no or incomplete coverage. There is wide coverage variation between and within countries.
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Current Affairs Quiz
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1 / 5
Category:General Studies
An effective strategy to control the spread of diphtheria includes:
Answer is D
Explanation: Option (d) - Strengthening vaccination programs is the cornerstone of preventing diphtheria. While isolation and antibiotics play a role in managing outbreaks, mass antibiotic administration is not a sustainable strategy.
2 / 5
Category:General Studies
Which of the following is NOT a characteristic symptom of diphtheria in its early stages?
Answer is C
Explanation: Option (c) - Runny nose is not a typical symptom of diphtheria. Sore throat, fever, and difficulty swallowing are more characteristic.
3 / 5
Category:General Studies
The emergence of diphtheria outbreaks underscores the importance of:
Answer is D
Explanation: All three options (I, II, and III) are important. Diphtheria resurgence highlights the need for strong vaccination programs, accessible healthcare, and continued efforts to combat antibiotic resistance.
4 / 5
Category:General Studies
A recent report by the World Health Organization (WHO) highlights a concerning rise in diphtheria cases globally. What is the PRIMARY reason behind this resurgence?
Answer is C
Explanation: Option (c) is the most relevant reason. While mutations and antibiotic resistance are ongoing concerns, the primary factor in the resurgence is the decline in vaccination rates.
5 / 5
Category:General Studies
One of the most concerning complications of untreated diphtheria is:
Answer is C
Explanation: Option (c) - Respiratory failure is a life-threatening complication of diphtheria due to the formation of a membrane obstructing airways.
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The World Health Organization (WHO) has recently highlighted a concerning rise in diphtheria cases globally. Discuss the reasons behind this resurgence and elaborate on the measures that need to be taken to control its spread. (250 words)
Model Answer:
The resurgence of diphtheria, a once-common vaccine-preventable childhood disease, is a cause for global concern. Several factors contribute to this phenomenon:
Decreased Vaccination Rates: Complacency regarding vaccination and disruptions in immunization programs due to the COVID-19 pandemic have led to a decline in vaccination coverage, particularly in low-income countries. This creates pockets of susceptible populations vulnerable to outbreaks.
Inequitable Access to Healthcare: Disparities in access to quality healthcare and essential medications like diphtheria antitoxin further exacerbate the situation, particularly in resource-limited settings.
Misinformation and Vaccine Hesitancy: The spread of misinformation and vaccine hesitancy can discourage individuals from getting vaccinated, hindering efforts to achieve herd immunity.
To effectively control the spread of diphtheria, a multi-pronged approach is necessary:
Strengthening Immunization Programs: Public health campaigns should emphasize the importance of vaccination and encourage parents to get their children vaccinated according to the recommended schedule. Reaching unvaccinated and under-vaccinated populations, particularly in low-resource settings, is crucial.
Enhanced Surveillance: Healthcare professionals need to be vigilant in identifying potential diphtheria cases and reporting them promptly to health authorities. This allows for early intervention, isolation of cases, and contact tracing to prevent further spread.
Improved Healthcare Systems: Investing in healthcare infrastructure and personnel is critical to ensure access to quality healthcare and essential medications for effective treatment of diphtheria cases.
Combatting Misinformation: Targeted educational campaigns promoting the safety and efficacy of vaccines are essential to address vaccine hesitancy and misinformation. Building public trust and encouraging immunization is crucial.
Question 2:
Diphtheria is a highly contagious bacterial infection. Discuss the symptoms of diphtheria and the complications that can arise if left untreated. (250 words)
Model Answer:
Diphtheria is a contagious bacterial infection primarily affecting the throat and nose. Early symptoms can be mild and include sore throat, fever, and fatigue. However, a hallmark sign is the formation of a thick grayish membrane in the throat, which can obstruct breathing and lead to difficulty swallowing.
If left untreated, diphtheria can cause severe complications, including:
Respiratory failure: The thick membrane in the throat can obstruct airways, leading to life-threatening breathing difficulties.
Myocarditis: The bacteria can damage the heart muscle, affecting its pumping function and potentially leading to heart failure.
Paralysis: Diphtheria toxins can damage nerves, causing paralysis, which can affect various muscle groups, including those controlling breathing.
Death: In severe cases, complications can lead to death, highlighting the importance of early diagnosis and treatment.
Remember: These are just sample answers. It’s important to further research and refine your responses based on your own understanding and perspective. Read entire UPSC Current Affairs.
Relevance to the UPSC Prelims and Mains syllabus under the following topics:
Prelims:
General Science (GS) Paper I – The focus in Prelims would likely be on factual knowledge and basic understanding of the disease.
Questions could be in the form of MCQs testing your knowledge on:
Causes of the resurgence (e.g., decline in vaccination rates)
Symptoms of diphtheria
Complications of the disease
Preventive measures (e.g., vaccination)
Mains:
The Mains exam would delve deeper, requiring analytical and application-based responses.
You might encounter essay-type questions or case studies that could involve:
Essay:Discussing the reasons behind the resurgence of diphtheria and suggesting a multi-pronged approach for its control.
Case Study: A hypothetical scenario with a diphtheria outbreak in a specific region. You may be asked to analyze the situation, suggest measures for containment, and highlight the importance of public health initiatives.
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