An outbreak of diphtheria has recently occurred in a mountainous commune in Quang Nam Province. Diphtheria is a serious bacterial infection, usually affecting the mucous membranes of the nose and throat, which causes a sore throat, fever, swollen glands and weakness.  It can be caught through coughs and sneezes from infected people.

On Thursday, the Director of Da Nang Preventive Medicine, Dr Ton That Thanh, affirmed that the diphtheria epidemic is unlikely to spread to Da Nang.  He explained that residents of the mountainous commune concerned have found it very hard to access healthcare services, especially vaccinations against diphtheria for children.  The local healthcare sector has taken effective measures to control the disease and prevent its spread to other areas.

Meanwhile, the National Extended Vaccination Programme has been effectively implemented in the city over recent years.  Under the programme, local children are offered free 6-in-1 or 5-in-1 vaccines.  The 6-in-1 shots protect children against 6 different diseases: diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, polio, haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) and hepatitis B.  The 5-in-1 vaccine works well and produces very good immunity to diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, Hib and polio infections.  Thanks to the effective implementation of the programme, no cases of diphtheria have so far been recorded in the city.