Diphtheria suspected in Ernakulam

KOCHI: After several confirmed cases in Kozhikode, Malappuram and other districts in north Malabar, the dreadful diphtheria is spreading to other parts of the state with two suspected cases  reported from  Ayyambuzha and Perumbavoor in Ernakulam.

The smear examination of the swab sample taken from an eight-year-old-boy at Ayyambuzha which was done in a private laboratory was suggestive of corynebacterium, the bacteria which causes diphtheria. The health department is evaluating the situation and is yet to confirm the disease.

The doctor in the private hospital who treated the boy suspected diphtheria and sent the throat swab for further tests.   There is another suspected case from Perumbavoor. Though a boy from Vaduthala was admitted at Aster Medcity with diphtheria symptoms, it was proved negative and the hospital authorities reported it to DMO.

Meanwhile, district RCH officer Dr. Santhakumari told DC that the disease can’t be confirmed now as the throat swab sample was  yet to be sent for biological culture in a government laboratory. “It is too early to confirm the disease. However, the health officials’ team visited the spot, reviewed the situation and initiated the usual protocol after reporting the disease. Since the patient is not having a toxic look and other symptoms, it can be a normal case of throat infection or tonsillitis,” she said. Meanwhile, district medical officer Dr. N.K. Kuttappan said that the case could be confirmed only after the detailed examination of throat swab in a government lab.