Diphtheria Becomes an Outbreak, Pay Attention to Its Characteristics

Even the mode of transmission is similar to Covid-19, namely through droplets (saliva) when talking, sneezing, or coughing. So the most important thing that must be done is to prevent diphtheria from becoming an epidemic in the city of Bandung.

"This immunization can prevent him (diphtheria) from manifesting. So even though the potential for infection still exists, it doesn't cause clinical manifestations or when a child is infected or has symptoms it doesn't cause serious complications or death," said Ira, Tuesday, February 28, 2023.

Apart from that, another important thing for the community is how to detect the symptoms of diphtheria as early as possible. Although according to him, for the general public it is rather difficult to detect because of the symptoms or complaints experienced by patients.

Because the complaints can vary, such as there may be a fever, or may not. However, there are also other symptoms such as painful swallowing, shortness of breath, and a runny nose.

"These symptoms are due to the diphtheria germ forming a whitish gray membrane in the patient's throat. That causes a sore throat and if it is severe it can interfere with breathing, or keep drooling," he said.

If you have experienced these symptoms, the patient should be taken immediately to the nearest health facility. Because it is usually difficult for the general public to determine whether this is true because of diphtheria or not.

If it has been taken to the health facility, later the health workers will determine whether it is diphtheria or not. Because to diagnose with certainty requires a culture examination in the laboratory and it takes time for the results to come out.

"After we suspect clinically of diphtheria, a close contact must be sought immediately and the person concerned must be isolated until it is proven that he is not confirmed. Similar to Covid-19," he explained.

Not only children, diphtheria can also attack adults. Ira revealed, several factors could have been due to incomplete immunization status. Even if it is complete, it can be affected, but does not have serious complications.

"Thus, the two cases that were reported clinically, thank God, the end result is that they are healthy again. The reason for concern is if they experience severe complications as a result of incomplete immunizations that were previously carried out," he said.

Ira appealed to all people to continue to apply the discipline of a clean and healthy lifestyle (PHBS), carry out prokes such as washing hands and wearing masks.

"Especially for toddlers and school children, please complete the DPT immunization, recognize the symptoms and signs for early detection of diphtheria," he added. (din)**

Head of the Bandung City Communication and Informatics Agency

Yayan A. Brilyana