Diphtheria cases spiked 134 percent
By Nidz Godino
HEALTH authorities are looking into increase in cases of diphtheria in the country by 134 percent.
Department of Health (DOH) latest disease surveillance report, showed 152 cases were reported from Jan. 1 to Oct. 7 compared to 65 during same period last year.
Metro Manila logged 41 cases; Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), 27; and Calabarzon, 24.
Zamboanga peninsula recorded highest increase in cases at 1,800 percent or from one to 19 cases, followed by BARMM at 1,250 percent or from two to 27 cases, and Soccsksargen at 400 percent or from two to 10 cases.
Data from DOH's Epidemiology Bureau showed 33 deaths due to diphtheria this year compared to 17 last year.
Twelve deaths were recorded in BARMM, eight in Metro Manila and four in Calabarzon.
Diphtheria is serious infection caused by strains of bacteria called Corynebacterium diphtheriae. It can lead to difficulty in breathing, heart rhythm problems and even death.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends vaccines to prevent diphtheria.
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