Diphtheria Death Toll Rises to 6 in Koraput

Koraput: The diphtheria death toll in Odisha’s Narayanpatna block iunder Koraput district, rose to six with two more kids succumbing to the disease, here last night.

The identities of the deceased are yet to be ascertained. Earlier, four people had died due to the disease. The diphtheria situation has been a cause of serious concern for the people of Rayagada and Koraput districts.

To check the spread of the disease, the Health and Family Welfare Department ihas mandated the local administration of pentavalent vaccines to children under one year old, while those aged one to seven, will receive the combined diphtheria, pertussis (whooping cough), and tetanus (DPT) vaccine. Older children will receive the tetanus and diphtheria (Td) vaccine.