Three children die from Diphtheria in camp

Health workers are taking preventative measures to stop the possible spread of diphtheria after the disease claimed the lives of three children at a camp for the internally displaced in the southern Afghan province of Kandahar. "It is infectious and lethal and the most vulnerable group are children," technical officer for child health for the World Health Organisation (WHO), Ahmed Shadoul told IRIN on Monday from the Afghan capital, Kabul. At least 17 children are suspected to be infected with the disease at the Zharey Dasht camp, which houses some 40,000 displaced people and aid agencies, along with local health officials are working fast to prevent more cases. An infectious diseases ward has been established at the hospital in the camp and specimens (throat swab slides) are being studied at a laboratory in Kabul. A total of nine confirmed cases were transferred by UNHCR to Pakistan for treatment on 17 July and Medicins Sans Frontieres (MSF) France is taking preventative measures by distributing antibiotics to those who are in close contact with suspected cases. "The disease could spread easily so every effort is being made to monitor suspected cases and keep them isolated," Shadoul said. There are several types of diphtheria and the one affecting people in the camp is said to be the most dangerous. Diphtheria is a fatal disease which is transmitted from the mouth and nose affecting the upper part of the throat by producing a grayish coloured membrane causing swelling around the neck and often resulting in a bull neck. "One of the most worrying symptoms is that the swelling blocks the throat stopping a person from swallowing and blocks respiratory channels causing suffocation," he added. In addition to this, saliva in the mouth produces toxins which can damage the kidneys and heart causing inflammation. According to health experts, even if diphtheria is treated properly, one out of every 10 infected persons die. Common symptoms for the disease include a sore throat, slight fever, chills, swelling and red skin lesions.