All the children who died of diphtheria in Latvia in this century were not vaccinated – among them was the boy who died on September 16, for whose life doctors fought for two weeks, explains the hospital.
For almost 20 years, there has not been a single case of diphtheria as severe as the patient brought in on September 5 and now dead, admits the hospital. “Perhaps this has created a false belief that diphtheria is no longer a threat to us, but this tragic case reminds us of the opposite,” emphasizes the hospital.
Diphtheria is fatal or particularly dangerous in unvaccinated people. In 2003, one child in the age group from three years died of diphtheria, while in 2005, two children died of diphtheria in the same age group. Also, one child in the age group from five to ten years old died with this diagnosis in 2006.
According to the hospital, it is especially worrying that this year two children have already died from vaccine-preventable dangerous infections – one from whooping cough and one from diphtheria.
Doctors urge everyone to check today whether all family members are vaccinated and revaccinated against diphtheria and other dangerous vaccine-regulated infectious diseases. If not – it should be done immediately. If there are the first symptoms of diphtheria, you should immediately consult a doctor, all contacts must be isolated and tested, the doctors remind.
Diphtheria tends to have severe and lasting effects on the central nervous system, kidney and cardiovascular system. For those who have been vaccinated and have come in contact with an infectious agent, the disease may start in some cases, but it proceeds in a mild form without complications, experts explain.
It has already been reported that a four-year-old boy died on September 16 after contracting diphtheria.
The Center for Disease Prevention and Control (SPKC), upon receiving information about a confirmed case of diphtheria, began an epidemiological investigation and the organization of anti-epidemic measures.
Diphtheria was diagnosed in three children and one adult. All cases are interconnected. Epidemiological investigation and implementation of anti-epidemic measures are ongoing.
SPKC emphasizes that insufficient vaccination coverage creates a risk of outbreak of diphtheria and spread of infection. Diphtheria complications seriously threaten the health and life of especially unvaccinated patients.
SPKC reminds that vaccination against diphtheria is paid for by the state for every citizen of any age.
2024-09-18 20:30:32