Ferozepur: In the midst of the dengue season, Ferozepur has reported its first death due to diphtheria, raising alarm among local authorities. Health department teams have initiated a comprehensive survey of the area.
According to reports, the three-year-old daughter of Jagtar Singh, a resident of Basti Awa Wali in Ferozepur city, passed away while being treated at Guru Gobind Singh Medical College and Hospital in Faridkot on October 8. Her death has created a sense of panic among local residents. Another suspected case of diphtheria was reported from the same locality, but tests returned negative, and the patient’s condition is currently stable, according to Dr. Yuvraj Narang of the Ferozepur Civil Hospital.
Dr Yuvraj explained that the girl who succumbed to the disease fell ill on October 6. Initially, she was taken to a rural medical practitioner, but when her condition did not improve, she was referred to a private doctor on October 8. After conducting tests, she was sent to Faridkot Medical College, where she died during treatment.
Dr Yuvraj mentioned that the health department is conducting door-to-door surveillance in Basti Awa and Basti Boriyawali. Eight teams comprising a total of 24 members are engaged in this effort, and so far, they have investigated 200 houses in both colonies, even working on holidays.
Dr Yuvraj Narang stated that diphtheria primarily affects children aged 2 to 10 years, although it can also impact individuals up to 20 years old. The disease infects the throat and tonsils and can also affect the larynx, nose, eyes, and genitals. Symptoms include fever, anorexia, headache, body pain, and throat pain. Diphtheria has particularly harmful effects on the heart, and some patients may die from cardiac arrest as a result.
Diphtheria is a contagious infection caused by the bacterium Corynebacterium diphtheriae, which releases a toxin that leads to a buildup of gray tissue in the throat, causing difficulties in swallowing and breathing.
