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Deeg, Rajasthan — In a tragic outbreak, at least seven children have died from diphtheria in Rajasthan’s Deeg district over the last 29 days, officials confirmed on Monday. The victims, aged between three and seven years, hailed from the Nagar, Kaman, and Pahadi areas of the district. The situation has prompted health authorities to issue a high alert throughout the region.
According to Deeg’s Chief Medical and Health Officer (CMHO) Dr. Vijay Singhal, the first reported death occurred on September 14 when a seven-year-old boy, Sumit, succumbed to diphtheria in Kaman. Following this, six more children, including Akreen (5), Monish (3), Ashifa (6), Sheehan (5), and Alfaz (3), tragically lost their lives between September 14 and October 12.
In response to the alarming outbreak, teams from the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Jaipur Health Department have been dispatched to the affected villages. These teams have initiated emergency vaccination drives, going door-to-door to vaccinate children in an effort to curb the spread of the deadly bacterial infection. Additionally, samples from suspected cases are being collected for laboratory testing.
Dr. Mansingh, a senior health official, explained that diphtheria is caused by Corynebacterium diphtheriae, a bacterium that primarily attacks the throat, producing a thick gray or white membrane that can block the windpipe, causing severe breathing difficulties. “This disease, commonly referred to as ‘Galghontu’ in local parlance, spreads when children are not vaccinated, even though the government provides the vaccine for free,” said Dr. Mansingh.
As of now, 24 children in the district have tested positive for diphtheria and are receiving medical treatment. Health officials are urging parents to ensure their children are vaccinated, stressing that regular immunization can prevent outbreaks of such life-threatening diseases.
“Diphtheria is entirely preventable through vaccination,” Dr. Mansingh reiterated. “Despite the government’s efforts to administer vaccines monthly, some parents still fail to immunize their children, which has contributed to this outbreak.”
The disease usually affects children under the age of 10, and initial symptoms include cold, cough, and fever. If left untreated, the bacterial infection can produce toxins that spread through the body, causing respiratory failure, heart damage, and, in severe cases, death.
Health authorities are now focusing on ensuring widespread vaccination coverage in the district to prevent further casualties. “We are deploying more medical teams and increasing awareness campaigns about the importance of vaccination,” Dr. Singhal added.
The district’s health department is working tirelessly to contain the outbreak, with hopes that swift action will prevent any further loss of life. Meanwhile, authorities continue to monitor the situation closely, collecting data and offering support to the affected families.
Diphtheria: A Preventable Tragedy
Diphtheria is a highly contagious bacterial infection that predominantly affects the upper respiratory tract. Vaccination is the most effective defense against this disease, and regular booster shots are necessary to maintain immunity, especially in children. The vaccine is part of India’s Universal Immunization Programme, which aims to protect children from multiple infectious diseases, including diphtheria.
Despite the availability of vaccines, outbreaks like the one in Deeg highlight the ongoing challenge of ensuring that all children, particularly in rural areas, receive timely immunizations.
As the district continues to battle the outbreak, health officials are urging parents across the region to take advantage of free vaccination programs to safeguard their children’s health.
