Rising Diphtheria Cases in Karachi: Concerns Over Vaccine Efficacy
In Karachi, Pakistan, experts are worried about the increasing number of diphtheria cases among children. They are questioning the effectiveness of the current vaccine used to prevent this contagious bacterial infection. Many children, especially in Karachi, have died from the disease, prompting discussions about raising the immunization age limit from two to five years.
Health officials have reported that 40 children have died due to diphtheria outbreaks in Karachi’s West, Keamari, and East districts, as well as in Larkana and Dadu districts. The Expanded Programme for Immunisation (EPI) recorded 55 diphtheria-related deaths in 2023, but the Sindh Health Department confirmed only 30 cases out of 219 suspected patients.
Experts have also highlighted a shortage of antitoxins, crucial for treating diphtheria. A senior doctor noted that the ongoing outbreaks since 2023 show a lack of timely action, with some cases being discarded due to negative toxin production despite positive cultures.
The Sindh Infectious Diseases Hospital and Research Centre reported that 20 children, mostly aged 3 to 10, have died from diphtheria, and over 80 patients were admitted to the hospital in Karachi. Samina Junejo, a senior pediatrician at Indus Hospital, expressed concern over the rising cases, noting that most affected children are either unvaccinated or partially vaccinated, though some had received all three doses of the vaccine.
According to the World Health Organisation, diphtheria is a bacterial infection that affects the upper throat and respiratory tract, releasing toxins that can severely damage other organs.
Doubts Revealed
Diphtheria -: Diphtheria is a serious bacterial infection that affects the nose and throat. It can cause breathing problems, heart failure, and even death if not treated.
Karachi -: Karachi is the largest city in Pakistan and is known for its busy ports and diverse population. It is located in the southern part of the country.
Vaccine Efficacy -: Vaccine efficacy refers to how well a vaccine works in preventing a disease. If a vaccine is not very effective, it might not protect people as well as expected.
Sindh Health Department -: The Sindh Health Department is a government organization in the Sindh province of Pakistan. It is responsible for public health and medical services in the region.
EPI -: EPI stands for Expanded Programme on Immunization. It is a global initiative to ensure that all children receive vaccines to protect them from diseases.
Antitoxins -: Antitoxins are special medicines used to treat infections like diphtheria. They help neutralize the toxins produced by the bacteria causing the disease.
