Diphtheria cases rise 134 percent
MANILA, Philippines — Cases of diphtheria in the country have increased by 134 percent, according to the Department of Health (DOH).
In its latest disease surveillance report, the DOH said 152 cases were reported from Jan. 1 to Oct. 7 compared to 65 during the same period last year.
Metro Manila logged 41 cases; Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), 27; and Calabarzon, 24.
Zamboanga peninsula recorded the highest increase in cases at 1,800 percent or from one to 19 cases, followed by BARMM at 1,250 percent or from two to 27 cases, and Soccsksargen at 400 percent or from two to 10 cases.
Data from the DOH’s Epidemiology Bureau showed that there were 33 deaths due to diphtheria this year compared to 17 last year.
Twelve deaths were recorded in the BARMM, eight in Metro Manila and four in Calabarzon.
Diphtheria is a serious infection caused by strains of bacteria called Corynebacterium diphtheriae. It can lead to difficulty in breathing, heart rhythm problems and even death.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends vaccines to prevent diphtheria.
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