In the Deeg district of Rajasthan, six children under the age of 10 have died from diphtheria over the past month. This resurgence of the bacterial infection, previously believed to be nearly eliminated, comes despite ongoing vaccination efforts in the region.
Health officials note that diphtheria, which can cause symptoms like fever, sore throat, swallowing difficulties, and severe airway obstruction, spreads through respiratory droplets and direct contact. Among the deceased, two had been vaccinated, three had not, and the vaccination status of the sixth child is still uncertain.
The latest fatality occurred on October 9, when a boy passed away from the infection at SMS Hospital in Jaipur. The initial case was reported on September 14, involving a 7-year-old boy, followed by three more deaths on September 28, all among children aged five to six years.
