What is diphtheria? Know about disease that killed 5 in India's Odisha

A suspected diphtheria outbreak in Odisha has raised concerns across the east Indian state where the contagion reportedly killed five people.

Odisha's Director of Public Health Nilakantha Mishra on Wednesday (June 19) said that 18 suspected cases of diphtheria were also detected in the state and that the vaccination for the contagion had also begun.

"In Koraput, only 1 case has been detected... In Kalahandi, there are 5 patients with cough and cold, out of which, 2 may be suffering from Diphtheria... The total number of suspected cases was 21, but it has come down to 18... The total no. of deaths remains at 5, it has not increased... The vaccination has started from today," Mishra told news agency ANI.

Earlier, Mishra said that the state health department had stepped up measures to contain the spread and was conducting a door-to-door survey to verify the vaccination status after five people died due to diphtheria in Rayagada district's Kashipur area.

"There are five deaths in that area, 10 others are affected but stable and they are under treatment... We are doing a house-to-house survey and verifying the vaccination status," the Director of Public Health, Odisha, said.

What is diphtheria?

Diphtheria is a highly contagious infection that can affect the nose, throat, and even the skin. It can turn deadly if left untreated.

The vaccine-preventable disease is caused by strains of a bacterium called 'Corynebacterium diphtheria' that produces toxins.

The illness can cause breathing difficulties, issues related to heart rhythm and even death.

Diphtheria mainly transmits through coughs and sneezes, or close contact with someone infected by the contagion.

It can also spread through material objects like toys or clothes used by an already infected person.

(With inputs from agencies)