Rayagada: Days after the death of five kids at Munushpadar village under Kashipur block in this district, the Health department Sunday confirmed the underlying disease to be diphtheria.
The confirmation came after a laboratory examination of the collected samples by a team of World Health Organisation, Chief District Medical Officer Dr Lalmohan Routray said.
The dreaded ailment caused by bacteria mostly affects children who first experience pain in the neck. Swelling in the neck is followed by high fever in a later stage making it difficult for them to take food, which ultimately results in death. Health officials are conducting medical camps on regular basis and treating the affected children following the direction of Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, the CDMO said. Meanwhile, 60 anti-toxin injections have reached the district.
PNN
