DIPHTHERIA
  • Acute pharyngitis, nasopharyngitis with patches of adherent grayish “pseudomembrane” in the oropharynx
  • ØInfectious Agent: Corynebacterium diphtheriae
  • Reservoir/Host: Humans
  • Mode of Transmission:
  • Incubation period: 2-5 days, occasionally longer
  • Control and Prevention:
    • Define population at risk
    • Identity close contacts
    • Immunize the largest proportion of population or group involved
    • Repeat after one month.
  • Prevention:
    • lProper disposal of feces and vomitus
    • Disinfection of linens and articles used by the patients
    • Surveillance of contacts for 5 days from last exposure.  Chemoprophylaxis of household members with tetracycline for 5 days
    • Investigation of contacts and source of infection
    • Fluid therapy with volumes of electrolyte solution to correct dehydration
      • Immunization of contacts is not indicated.

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