By Bizodisha Bureau, Bhubaneswar, June 19, 2024: Five deaths and 18 suspected cases of diphtheria were detected in Odisha, according to Director of Public Health, Odisha Nilakantha Mishra adding that the vaccination for diphtheria started on Wednesday.

The total number of suspected cases was 21, while the total no. of deaths remains at 5, he informed.

Earlier, Director of Public Health, Odisha Nilakantha Mishra had said that Public Health department is doing a house-to-house survey and verifying the vaccination status after 5 deaths were reported in Odisha due to diphtheria in Rayagada district’s Kashipur area.

“There are five deaths in that area, 10 others are affected but stable and they are under treatment… We are doing a house-to-house survey and verifying the vaccination status,” the Director of Public Health, Odisha, said.

Diphtheria is a highly contagious infection that can affect the nose and throat, and sometimes the skin. If left untreated, it can prove fatal.

Diphtheria, a vaccine-preventable disease, is caused by strains of a bacterium called ‘Corynebacterium diphtheria’ that make toxins. The disease can lead to breathing, heart rhythm problems and even death.

Diphtheria is mainly spread by coughs and sneezes, or through close contact with someone who is infected and material objects (toys or clothes) used by the person already contracted diphtheria.