How to effectively prevent diphtheria?

Pharyngeal diphtheria is actually an acute infectious disease caused by Corynebacterium diphtheriae, and the spread of this disease is very fast. Children in particular are easily affected and harmed by this disease. Therefore, we should pay attention to whether similar symptoms will appear and take precautions.

1. Causes

Corynebacterium diphtheriae is obviously polymorphic, rod-shaped or slightly curved, slightly enlarged at one or both ends, and metachromatic granules are often seen at both ends. According to the morphology and biochemical characteristics, colonies and virulence of bacteria, it can be divided into severe, intermediate and mild types. The frequency of occurrence varies in different regions and periods. The invasiveness of diphtheria bacteria is relatively weak, but they can produce strong exotoxins, which are the main factor causing the disease.

2. Prevention

1. Infants aged 3 to 5 months should receive a shot of the DPT vaccine once a month, for a total of 3 shots for the initial immunization. A booster shot should be given at the age of 1.5 to 2 years. Refined diphtheria and tetanus toxoid should be administered once at the ages of 7 and 15 to enhance the durability of immunity against diphtheria and protect older children and adults from diphtheria. Adults should also be immunized if necessary.

2. Diphtheria patients should be isolated and treated promptly until systemic and local symptoms disappear and cultures of the nasopharynx or other lesions are negative for two consecutive times. Isolation should not be lifted earlier than 7 days after treatment. The patient's secretions and utensils must be strictly disinfected. Respiratory secretions should be treated with double the amount of 5% coal tar soap (Lysol) or carbolic acid for 1 hour. Contaminated clothes and utensils should be boiled for 15 minutes. If boiling is not possible, soak them in 5% coal tar soap or carbolic acid for 1 hour.

3. Contact persons in collective child and adult institutions should be observed for 7 days and undergo nasopharyngeal swab culture and diphtheria toxin test. Adult close contacts should also undergo these tests