Quang Tri reports six additional positive cases of diphtheria

The two latest positive cases were reported on August 12 in Huong Son commune of Huong Hoa district following up to 51 test samples being taken in an effort to track down suspected cases.

Following this, four subsequent cases were detected on August 17 after tests were conducted. Of the infected cases, the youngest patient is seven years old while the oldest case is 30 years old.

The Quang Tri Department of Health, along with Huong Hoa district’s health centre, have begun to disinfect affected areas and moved to prescribe local residents with preventive drugs for a period of one week.

Currently, the residential area where positive cases of diphtheria were detected has been placed under lockdown.

A total of 20 cases of diphtheria have been recorded in Quang Tri province so far, five of which are in Vinh Linh district, nine in Gio Linh district, and six cases in Huong Hoa district. 

Five of the infected cases made full recovery while 14 patients have enjoyed stable health conditions at present.

Do Van Hung, Director of the provincial Department of Health, said that the latest cases were quarantined in a swift manner and provided treatment at medical facilities, whilst those who came into close contact with the infected patients have been put into isolation at their residence for a period of seven days.

According to health authorities, a vaccination programme will be implemented in the near future, with people under the age of 40 years old expected to be vaccinated.

Apart from Quang Tri, diphtheria outbreaks have been found in four Central Highland provinces of Dak Nong, Gia Lai, Kontum, and Dak Lak, with 119 cases and three fatalities.