Diphtheria Diphtheria, Perform Immunizations at Home

Again, Indonesia was stunned when a disease was transformed as a monster of dying. It was known from the beginning that diphtheria caused by the bacterium Corynebacterium Diptheriae is an infectious and dangerous disease.

As emphasized Jose Rizal Latief Batubara, Permanent Professor in the Faculty of Medicine, University of Indonesia, this disease can lead to death. Besides causing airway obstruction, this bacterium can also cause complications of myocarditis (inflammation of the lining of the heart wall of the middle part), kidney failure, respiratory failure, and even circulation failure.
It's just that the bacteria Corynebacterium Diptheriaeini will not be incarnated as a monster if only everyone is ready with the antidote, the DPT vaccine. Because, if everyone gets the vaccine at least three times in a lifetime, or even more effectively every 10 years, he will be safe.
"So actually diphtheria is not a new disease. Old diseases that should have disappeared with vaccination, but because there are many anti-vaccination groups, not all children are vaccinated, "said Jose.

Drum Dipther Diphtheria was beaten

In line with Jose, Director of Surveillance and Quarantine at the Ministry of Health Jane Soepardi added, since the 1990s diphtheria cases in Indonesia have actually been almost extinct. This case only reappeared in 2009.

Later Corynebacterium Diptheriae showed strength again. The case was found in at least 20 provinces. As of November 2017, 95 districts and cities from 20 provinces have reported cases of diphtheria.

This is a surprising development when seen from previous records in the period October - November 2017, there were 11 provinces exposed to this disease. Even more astonishing, of the 622 cases, 32 of them died. It is not surprising if the Ministry of Health determines diphtheria cases with extraordinary event status (KLB).

Diphtheria Bacteria Not Choosing Victims

Of course there is a question, why diphtheria reappeared from his long sleep and incarnated as a scary monster at this time. Although, it cannot be denied if this disease is indeed commonly found in developing countries like Indonesia.

The lack of awareness of the importance of vaccination is a fundamental answer to the question of why diphtheria has again become epidemic. That is why these bacteria do not choose their potential victims. That is, diphtheria is not a special disease of children. This disease can also affect adults.
In principle, who does not have a good fortifications for vaccination will potentially become the target of this deadly bacteria. In addition, we must minimize the factors that can encourage more development of bacteria such as an unhealthy environment. In addition, we must also be aware of several things such as healthy food intake and enhance the immune system.

Recognize the Symptoms and Causes of Diphtheria

So, the diphtheria case is everyone's case. Therefore, it is obligatory for every Indonesian to move quickly to stop this troubling plague. As a first step, we must recognize the symptoms of diphtheria. Throat disorders accompanied by fever and the formation of layers in the tonsils and throat are the earliest symptoms to watch out for. In addition, the symptoms of diphtheria can also be recognized including swelling of the neck glands, difficulty swallowing, runny nose, and vision problems.
At this stage immediately consult with the paramedics. Because, if not treated immediately, the disorder has the potential to increase as an infection that can spread to other body organs such as the heart and nervous system. Corynebacterium poison turns into a life-killing monster if it starts reaching into important organs in the body. Some sufferers also experience skin infections.
What makes the diphtheria case so astonishing is that the spread is not only through contact with people who have been exposed. However, bacteria can spread through the air or objects around us that have been contaminated.

There is no other choice, immediately recognize the symptoms of diphtheria and be alert to various factors that trigger the spread. However, as a fundamental step is to increase awareness of the importance of vaccination. Diphtheria vaccine is given through DPT immunization (Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis) five times in infants aged 2 months, 3 months, 4 months, 18 months, and 4-6 years.

Furthermore, Td or Tdap vaccination should be given to children aged 7 years. The vaccine, which is responsible for protecting against the threat of tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis, must be repeated every 10 years. Well, do you have the completeness of this vaccine? Remember, in addition to diphtheria children also attack adults, without exception.