Diphtheria in Upper Guinea, deaths recorded, what is the Ministry of Health doing?

For several weeks, diphtheria, infectious disease caused by bacteria Corynebacterium diphtheriae is claiming victims in eastern Guinea.

The Guinean government, through the national health security agency, has certainly communicated about the existence of the disease, but few efforts are being made to save the populations. Concrete awareness-raising actions are slow to come, and communities have little information about the disease which continues to claim victims according to our source,“There are over 20 deaths recorded in the area all children aged 0-7 years. Three of the 4 tests performed are positive for diphtheria,”specifies our source.

At the national health security agency, it is still time for investigations. “Our teams are on the ground carrying out investigations to find out the causes and modes of spread of the disease. To identify suspicious people, patients are already taken to the Kankan regional hospital for treatment. I would like to point out that it is the areas of Siguiri (3 confirmed cases, and several suspects), Mandiana (suspected cases) which are concerned. In week 30, we had 3 deaths from the disease, at the moment, 212 people are being monitored in these three prefectures,” explained Jean Traoré, Head of Communication and Media Unit of the ANSS before adding that the control efforts are mainly concentrated at the regional level.

How could this vaccine-preventable disease claim victims in Guinea? Are diphtheria vaccines available under the expanded immunization programme?

To answer these questions we have written to the Expanded Vaccination Program.“There is indeed an effective vaccine called PENTAVALENT and available in the Expanded Program on Immunization (EPI) and in all health centers in the country.Aresponse plan against diphtheria is developed at the EPI as well and will be implemented as soon as possible»replied Kadiatou Baldé, Head of the Communication and Social Mobilization Section at the PEV.

This vaccine called pentavalent (PENTA) is administered three times to children from the 6th week after birth for the 1st dose, the 2nd dose is given 4 weeks after the first dose, and the 3rd and final dose 4 weeks after the 2nd dose. It also protects against other vaccine-preventable diseases. These include, among others, TETANUS, PERPUTIS COUGH, HEPATITIS B and diseases caused by Haemophilus influenza type B. According to EPI figures, the city of Siguiri displays a green picture on vaccination“for vaccination with pentavalent in Siguiri it is a percentage of 109.4% of children having taken the 3 doses».

If the vaccination percentage is so high, the question is how did the disease appear in the area? This is a question that remains asked, especially since scientists have no doubt about the effectiveness of the vaccine.“Diphtheria vaccination is the only way to control this serious infection. The vaccine is composed of purified and inactivated diphtheria toxin »,writes the Pasteur Institute.

What are the symptoms of diphtheria?

People with diphtheria may develop fever, fatigue, and weakness. General symptoms of malaise, fatigue and weakness may be present. If the disease is left untreated, the toxins produced by the bacteria can lead to serious complications, such as heart and nerve problems.

How is diphtheria spread?

Diphtheria is usually spread through airborne droplets from an infected person's coughs or sneezes. Diphtheria can cause serious symptoms, including: The formation of a thick coating in the throat and tonsils: This can lead to difficulty swallowing, a hoarse voice and wheezing.

A vaccine-preventable disease

Diphtheria vaccination is widely used to prevent the disease. In many countries, it is given in combination with other vaccines, such as tetanus and pertussis, as part of the DTP (diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis) vaccine. Vaccination is essential to prevent the spread of diphtheria and reduce the risk of serious complications.

Bagou BARRY