AWARENESS: PREVENTION AND MANAGEMENT OF DIPHTHERIA

The Ministry of Health and Human Services of the Federal Government of Somalia has officially announced an increase in reported cases of Diphtheria, a serious and contagious illness, currently affecting multiple districts in Mogadishu and surrounding areas.

Diphtheria is a potentially life-threatening bacterial infection that primarily affects children but can also infect adults. It is caused by the bacterium Corynebacterium diphtheriae.

CLINICAL SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF DIPHTHERIA:

1. Mild fever with a gradual onset

2. Severe sore throat, especially during swallowing

3. Throat pain, hoarseness, and persistent coughing

4. Swelling of the neck (cervical lymphadenopathy) – particularly in children

5. Presence of grayish or whitish pseudomembrane covering the throat or pharynx – which may lead to breathing difficulty

6. Fatigue, nausea, and shortness of breath

7. In severe cases, the infection can involve the heart (myocarditis) and nervous system (neuropathy) if not promptly treated

MODE OF TRANSMISSION:

Diphtheria spreads through:

Respiratory droplets from coughing or sneezing

Direct contact with lesions or items contaminated by an infected person (e.g., utensils, bedding)

Children in school settings or individuals in crowded environments are particularly vulnerable

WHAT TO DO IF DIPHTHERIA IS SUSPECTED?

If you notice any of the symptoms mentioned above, especially in a child or adult with:

Complaints of sore throat

Fever, respiratory distress, or visible neck swelling

Thick, grayish secretions covering the throat

Immediately seek medical attention at DE-MARTINO PUBLIC HOSPITAL

the only facility officially designated by the Ministry of Health to diagnose and treat confirmed or suspected cases of this dangerous infection.

HOW TO PREVENT DIPHTHERIA:

1. DPT vaccination (Diphtheria, Pertussis, Tetanus) – the most important preventive measure, starting at 6 weeks of age for infants

2. Good personal hygiene (e.g., frequent handwashing, use of tissues, proper sanitation)

3. Avoiding overcrowded areas during outbreaks

4. Isolating suspected cases to prevent further transmission

Comments

WACYIGELIN: KA HORTAGGA IYO MAAREYNTA CUDURKA Gowracatada ( AF SOMALI )

WACYIGELIN: KA HORTAGGA IYO MAAREYNTA CUDURKA Gowracatada Wasaaradda Caafimaadka iyo Adeegga Bulshada ee Dowladda Federaalka Soomaaliya ayaa si rasmi ah u shaacisay in kordhay kiisaska la soo sheegay ee Gowracatada, oo ah cudur halis ah oo si fudud u faafa, kaas oo hadda saameeyay degmooyin badan oo ka tirsan magaalada Muqdisho iyo deegaannada ku dhow. Gowracatada waa cudur khatar ah oo uu keeno bakteeriyada Corynebacterium diphtheriae. Cudurku inta badan wuxuu ku dhacaa carruurta, balse dadka waaweynna wuu ku dhici karaa. CALAAMADAHA IYO ASTAAMAHA Gowracatada: 1. Qandho fudud oo si tartiib ah ku bilaabata 2. Cunno xanuun daran, gaar ahaan marka la liqayo 3. Xanuun cunaha ah, codka oo qallala (hoarseness), iyo qufac joogto ah 4. Barar qoorta ah (qanjirrada qoorta oo weynaada) – badanaa carruurta ku badan 5. Xuub caddaan ama cawl ah oo daboolaya cunaha ama hunguriga – taas oo keeni karta neefsashada oo ku adkaata 6. Daal, lalabo iyo neefsashada oo yaraata 7. Xaaladaha daran, cudurku wux...

Everything You Should Know About Acute Flaccid Paralysis

Acute flaccid paralysis (AFP) is a severe medical condition characterized by rapid onset of muscle weakness or paralysis and mainly affects children. The group of symptoms and signs, not a single disease, often affects muscles involved in breathing or swallowing. The condition, which often affects one leg or arm and is not typically linked to injury, primarily affects children under 15. AFP is associated with a variety of causes, including viral infections such as poliovirus, enterovirus and adenovirus, Campylobacter infections, as well as autoimmune diseases such as Guillain-Barré syndrome (a disorder where the immune system attacks the nerves) and transverse myelitis (inflammation of the spinal cord). AFP case definition any patient who under 15 years of age with acute flaccid paralysis, or A patient of any age in whom a clinician suspect polio Classic example of syndromic surveillance Several other conditions may look like clinical polio (E...

"Hypothyroidism: Understanding the Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options"

What is the thyroid gland? The thyroid gland is located in the throat, on both sides of the upper part of the trachea, What is hypothyroidism? The operation of the thyroid gland means that the level of hormone secretion decreases, if the body does not produce enough hormones, the person feels or shows several symptoms that are characteristic of this disease. Thyroid disease is common in middle-aged women, it is very common in our Somali women, but unfortunately doctors do not recognize it quickly, as the symptoms can resemble other diseases such as rheumatism, heart disease, cholesterol disease, brucellosis, calcium deficiency and the disease known as "Fibromyalgia", so if you see the symptoms of this disease, the doctor should examine you for all these diseases to make sure which one you claim. In this thyroid disease it is necessary for the body to get the missing hormone. What are the symptoms of thyroid dysfunction? The first symptoms to notice are: 1- Laziness and fat...

Health Benefits Of Nitric Oxide Containing Food

Explore The Powerful Health Benefits Of Nitric Oxide Containing Food If you're looking to boost your overall health and vitality, it's worth exploring the incredible benefits of consuming foods that are rich in nitric oxide. Nitric oxide is a natural molecule that our bodies produce to help with various functions, including blood flow, cardiovascular health, athletic performance, and brain function. Incorporating nitric oxide-rich foods into your diet can be an effective way to enhance these areas of your health. Before we delve into the health benefits of nitric oxide-containing foods, let's first understand what nitric oxide is and how it works in our bodies. Nitric oxide is a gas that's produced by the lining of blood vessels, and it helps to relax and widen those vessels, improving blood flow and oxygen delivery throughout the body. It also plays a role in various other functions, including immune system regulation, neurotransmitter release, and muscle growth and ...

Health Guide

Search This Blog