Diphtheria cases up 75 percent

MANILA, Philippines — Cases of diphtheria in the country have increased by 75 percent, the Department of Health (DOH) reported yesterday.

In its latest disease surveillance report, the DOH said 110 cases were reported as of May 4 compared to 63 during the same period last year.

The highest number of cases was recorded in Metro Manila at 30 followed by the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) with 26 and Central Luzon and Mimaropa, 11 cases each.

Calabarzon logged seven cases while Ilocos recorded six.

The DOH said 14 deaths from diphtheria have so far been recorded this year.

Five deaths from diphtheria were recorded in BARMM, four in Metro Manila and two in Ilocos.

Diphtheria is a disease caused by a bacterium that affects the upper respiratory tract. It produces a toxin that damages the heart and nerves and can lead to difficulty in breathing, heart rhythm problems and even death.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends vaccines to prevent diphtheria.

The DOH said pentavalent vaccines provide protection against diphtheria aside from tetanus, pertussis, Hemophilus influenza type B and hepatitis B.