Peru has reported two deaths from diphtheria, and the government has issued a national epidemiological alert
On the 5th local time, Peruvian Deputy Minister of Health Luis Suarez announced that all adults, regardless of whether they have Peruvian nationality, can go to any medical center in the country to get free diphtheria vaccine. Suarez said that the Ministry of Health confirmed the death of a 69-year-old diphtheria patient on the 4th local time, making it the second case of diphtheria death in the country.
It is reported that the first death of diphtheria was a 5-year-old girl who was diagnosed on the 27th of last month. At present, the government has issued a national pandemic alert.
This is the first case of diphtheria infection in Peru 20 years ago after the complete eradication of diphtheria was announced. According to Peruvian media reports, diphtheria is a highly contagious and potentially fatal disease that usually affects the nasal cavity and throat, and sometimes the skin. After the onset of the disease, a “gray-white film” will form on the throat, and symptoms such as high fever and painful swallowing will occur.
