Latest news with #Diphtheria
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Business Standard
4 hours ago
- Health
- Business Standard
South Asia achieves record immunisation coverage: WHO, Unicef data
South Asia has achieved its highest-ever immunization coverage for children, with notable progress in India and Nepal, according to new data released on Tuesday by the World Health Organization (WHO) and UNICEF for 2024. India reduced its number of zero-dose children those who have not received a single vaccine by 43 per cent, from 1.6 million in 2023 to 0.9 million in 2024. Nepal achieved a 52 per cent reduction, from 23,000 to 11,000, a WHO statement said. Pakistan also recorded its highest-ever DTP3 (Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis) coverage at 87 per cent. However, Afghanistan continued to struggle, with the lowest coverage in the region and a one percentage point decline since last year, it added. The progress marks a milestone in the region's efforts to protect every child from vaccine-preventable diseases. "This is a proud moment for South Asia. More children are protected today than ever before, thanks to tireless frontline health workers, strong government leadership, donors' and partners' support and the unwavering trust of families," said Sanjay Wijesekera, UNICEF Regional Director for South Asia. "But we cannot forget the millions of children who are under-vaccinated or unvaccinated. Now is the time to push further, especially into the most rural areas, to give every child his or her right to healthcare in the earliest years of life," he said. In 2024, 92 per cent of infants in South Asia received the third dose of the DTP vaccine a crucial global indicator up two percentage points from 2023. The first-dose DTP coverage rose from 93 to 95 per cent, showing a strong recovery beyond pre-COVID levels, the statement said. There was also a 27 per cent drop in zero-dose children across the region, from 2.5 million in 2023 to 1.8 million in 2024. The region also made significant strides in measles control. In 2024, 93 per cent of infants received the first dose and 88 per cent the second dose of the measles vaccine, up from 90 per cent and 87 per cent respectively. Measles cases fell 39 per cent -- from over 90,000 in 2023 to about 55,000 this year. However, coverage still remains below the 95 per cent threshold needed to prevent outbreaks, the statement said. "It is heartening to see WHO South-East Asia Region reach the highest ever immunization rates, surpassing the pre-pandemic up-trend. We must build on this momentum and step up efforts to reach every child with these lifesaving vaccines. Together we can, and we must," said Dr Thaksaphon Thamarangsi, Director Programme Management, WHO South-East Asia Region. HPV vaccination coverage for adolescent girls rose from 2 per cent in 2023 to 9 per cent in 2024. Bangladesh made significant progress, vaccinating over 7.1 million girls since launching its programme in 2023. Bhutan, Maldives, and Sri Lanka also increased their HPV coverage by 3 percentage points (91 per cent to 94 per cent), 15 points (60 per cent to 75 per cent), and 17 points (31 per cent to 48 per cent) respectively. Nepal launched its national HPV vaccination campaign in February 2025 and has vaccinated over 1.4 million girls. India and Pakistan are expected to roll out their HPV vaccination programmes later this year, the statement said. Behind these gains are sustained government efforts, investments, policies, and the dedication of frontline and community health workersmany of them womenalongside donor and partner support. Use of digital tools, improved data systems, and targeted outreach campaigns have also played a key role, it said. While significant progress was made, over 2.9 million children in the region remain un- or under-vaccinated and therefore unprotected, the statement said. With this in mind, UNICEF and WHO urged governments in South Asia to sustain political commitment, increase domestic financing for immunization, expand HPV vaccine coverage, and intensify efforts to reach zero-dose and under-vaccinated children. They also called for greater investment in frontline health workers and reinforcement of surveillance systems for vaccine-preventable diseases. (Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Hindustan Times
19 hours ago
- Health
- Hindustan Times
India's zero dose children reduced by 43% in 2024: WHO data
India has made significant improvement in covering zero dose children as a part of national immunization coverage with the number of children who never received a single dose of any vaccines reducing by 43% — from 1.6 million in 2023 to 0.9 million in 2024— according to the World Health Organization (WHO) and Unicef global immunization estimates 2024 released on Tuesday, adding there were still 14.3 million zero dose children globally. Compared to 2023, around 1,71,000 more children received at least one vaccine. (File AFP photo) In the South Asia region, there has been a 27 per cent reduction in the number of zero dose children, decreasing from 2.5 million to 1.8 million in a year. In 2024, 92 per cent of the infants in the region received their third dose of the Diphtheria, Tetanus, and Pertussis (DTP) vaccine in the region, a crucial global indicator of vaccination progress. This marks a 2 percentage point increase since 2023. During the same period, the proportion of children receiving their first dose of DTP increased from 93 per cent to 95%. These figures show a strong bounce back, surpassing pre-COVID levels – reflecting the efforts of the South Asian governments to prioritise children's health, according to the WHO statement. Also Read: Measles: A deadly disease that can be prevented 'Progress has been notably strong in India and Nepal. India reduced its number of zero-dose children by 43 per cent (from 1.6 million in 2023 to 0.9 million in 2024), and Nepal achieved a 52 per cent reduction (from 23,000 in 2023 to 11,000 in 2024). Pakistan also achieved its highest-ever DTP3 coverage at 87 per cent. However, Afghanistan still faces challenges, having the lowest coverages in the region and saw a 1 percentage point drop in coverage over the past year,' read the statement. At least 89% of infants globally – about 115 million – received at least one dose of the diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis (DTP)-containing vaccine in 2024, and 85% -- roughly 109 million – completed all three doses. Compared to 2023, around 1,71,000 more children received at least one vaccine, and one million more completed the full three-dose DTP series. While the gains are modest, they signal continued progress by countries working to protect children, even amid growing challenges, said WHO. At least 14 million zero dose children globally, last year, means 4 million more than the 2024 target needed to stay on track with Immunization Agenda 2030 goals, and 1.4 million more than in 2019, the baseline year for measuring progress. 'Vaccines save lives, allowing individuals, families, communities, economies and nations to flourish,' said Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO director-general, in a statement. 'It's encouraging to see a continued increase in the number of children being vaccinated, although we still have a lot of work to do. Drastic cuts in aid, coupled with misinformation about the safety of vaccines, threaten to unwind decades of progress. WHO remains committed to working with our partners to support countries to develop local solutions and increase domestic investment to reach all children with the lifesaving power of vaccines.' Data from 195 countries show that 131 countries have consistently reached at least 90% of children with the first dose of DTP vaccine since 2019, but there has been no significant movement in expanding this group. Among the countries that reached less than 90% in 2019, only 17 managed to increase their coverage rates in the past five years. Meanwhile, in 47 countries, progress is stalling or worsening. This includes 22 countries that achieved and surpassed the 90% target in 2019 but have since declined. 'We must act now with determination to overcome barriers like shrinking health budgets, fragile health systems along with misinformation and access constraints because of conflicts. No child should die from a disease we know how to prevent,' said Catherine Russell, Unicef executive director.
Scottish Sun
6 days ago
- Health
- Scottish Sun
From red raw ulcers to ‘bull neck' – the 7 signs of the highly contagious bug spreading around Europe's summer hotspots
In the worst cases, the infection blocks the airways, causes heart failure, and damages the nervous system KNOW THE SIGNS From red raw ulcers to 'bull neck' – the 7 signs of the highly contagious bug spreading around Europe's summer hotspots Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) A KILLER bug once dubbed 'childhood's deadly scourge' is making a chilling comeback across Europe - and it starts with an innocent sore throat. Diphtheria is a highly contagious infection that suffocates its victims by forming a thick grey coat over the throat and tonsils. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 1 More severe cases can lead to a characteristic swollen neck and throat, or "bull neck". This swelling can make breathing difficult. In the worst cases, the infection blocks the airways, causes heart failure, and damages the nervous system. If the disease affects the skin, it can cause pus-filled blisters on the legs, feet and hands, as well as large ulcers surrounded by red, sore-looking skin. Diphtheria is mostly spread by coughs, sneezing or close contact. It can also be caught from sharing items such as cups, clothing or bedding with an infected person. Before the vaccine rollout in the 1950s, the bug tore through British homes, killing up to 4,000 people a year, mostly children. There are reports of families where several siblings died within days of each other. Now the bug is spreading again, in popular holiday hotspots, with health chiefs calling for a better "awareness of symptoms" to stop the spread. Diphtheria is thought to be rare in Europe and the UK, with cases falling steadily since the introduction of vaccines in 1942. Between 2009 and 2020, an average of 21 cases were reported each year in Europe. Cases of Victorian disease that causes 'sandpaper rash and killer complications' surge 42% in a week - is your area affected But "a marked shift occurred in 2022", as 320 cases - two of them probable - were detected in European countries, the ECDC wrote in recent report. "Similar trends" were also reported in the UK, according to the health watchdog. At the end of 2023, UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) said one person tested positive for the deadly bug at Wigmore Primary School in Luton. At the time, parents were warned to take caution, with health officials urging anyone with symptoms to "seek urgent medical attention". A total of 234 diphtheria cases have been reported in European countries since January 2023, according to the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC). "Ten European countries were affected by this outbreak, with Germany, Austria, the UK, Switzerland and France reporting the highest case numbers," they said. The outbreak was "mainly linked to groups of migrants who had recently arrived in Europe" and been exposed to diphtheria on their journey, it added. Since then, the number of diphtheria cases in Europe has "consistently declined", but the ECDC warned that infections were still being reported - especially among vulnerable people. A total of 165 cases were flagged to the ECDC in 2023, 56 in 2024 and 13 so far into 2025. "Published data and recent personal communications indicate that after the 2022 outbreak, Corynebacterium diphtheriae continued to circulate in at least five EU/EEA countries and in Switzerland," the health watchdog said. "A significant proportion of these cases has been among people more vulnerable to diphtheria," it added. These include people experiencing homelessness, people living, working or volunteering in transitional housing centres, migrants, and those who use and inject drugs. Bruno Ciancio, from the ECDC is now calling for "better awareness of symptoms, quick diagnosis and prompt public health action" to help quell the spread. What to watch out for According to the NHS, symptoms usually start two to five days after becoming infected. These include: A thick grey-white coating that may cover the back of your throat, nose and tongue A high temperature Sore throat Swollen glands in your neck Difficulty breathing and swallowing Pus-filled blisters on your legs, feet and hands Large ulcers surrounded by red, sore-looking skin You should get urgent medical help if you have the above symptoms.
The Sun
6 days ago
- Health
- The Sun
From red raw ulcers to ‘bull neck' – the 7 signs of the highly contagious bug spreading around Europe's summer hotspots
A KILLER bug once dubbed 'childhood's deadly scourge' is making a chilling comeback across Europe - and it starts with an innocent sore throat. Diphtheria is a highly contagious infection that suffocates its victims by forming a thick grey coat over the throat and tonsils. 1 More severe cases can lead to a characteristic swollen neck and throat, or "bull neck". This swelling can make breathing difficult. In the worst cases, the infection blocks the airways, causes heart failure, and damages the nervous system. If the disease affects the skin, it can cause pus-filled blisters on the legs, feet and hands, as well as large ulcers surrounded by red, sore-looking skin. Diphtheria is mostly spread by coughs, sneezing or close contact. It can also be caught from sharing items such as cups, clothing or bedding with an infected person. Before the vaccine rollout in the 1950s, the bug tore through British homes, killing up to 4,000 people a year, mostly children. There are reports of families where several siblings died within days of each other. Now the bug is spreading again, in popular holiday hotspots, with health chiefs calling for a better "awareness of symptoms" to stop the spread. Diphtheria is thought to be rare in Europe and the UK, with cases falling steadily since the introduction of vaccines in 1942. Between 2009 and 2020, an average of 21 cases were reported each year in Europe. Cases of Victorian disease that causes 'sandpaper rash and killer complications' surge 42% in a week - is your area affected But "a marked shift occurred in 2022", as 320 cases - two of them probable - were detected in European countries, the ECDC wrote in recent report. "Similar trends" were also reported in the UK, according to the health watchdog. At the end of 2023, UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) said one person tested positive for the deadly bug at Wigmore Primary School in Luton. At the time, parents were warned to take caution, with health officials urging anyone with symptoms to "seek urgent medical attention". A total of 234 diphtheria cases have been reported in European countries since January 2023, according to the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC). "Ten European countries were affected by this outbreak, with Germany, Austria, the UK, Switzerland and France reporting the highest case numbers," they said. The outbreak was "mainly linked to groups of migrants who had recently arrived in Europe" and been exposed to diphtheria on their journey, it added. Since then, the number of diphtheria cases in Europe has "consistently declined", but the ECDC warned that infections were still being reported - especially among vulnerable people. A total of 165 cases were flagged to the ECDC in 2023, 56 in 2024 and 13 so far into 2025. "Published data and recent personal communications indicate that after the 2022 outbreak, Corynebacterium diphtheriae continued to circulate in at least five EU/EEA countries and in Switzerland," the health watchdog said. "A significant proportion of these cases has been among people more vulnerable to diphtheria," it added. These include people experiencing homelessness, people living, working or volunteering in transitional housing centres, migrants, and those who use and inject drugs. Bruno Ciancio, from the ECDC is now calling for "better awareness of symptoms, quick diagnosis and prompt public health action" to help quell the spread. What to watch out for According to the NHS, symptoms usually start two to five days after becoming infected. These include: A thick grey-white coating that may cover the back of your throat, nose and tongue A high temperature Sore throat Swollen glands in your neck Difficulty breathing and swallowing Pus-filled blisters on your legs, feet and hands Large ulcers surrounded by red, sore-looking skin You should get urgent medical help if you have the above symptoms. How to protect yourself from diphtheria Diphtheria is rare in the UK today, but cases are on the rise across parts of Europe. The best way to protect yourself is by making sure your vaccinations are up to date. The diphtheria jab is part of the routine NHS childhood schedule, but adults may need a booster before travelling. The NHS recommends a top-up every ten years if you're heading to areas where the infection is spreading. Check with your GP or a travel clinic before you go. Diphtheria spreads easily through coughs, sneezes and close contact — even sharing drinks or cutlery. In some cases, it can also enter the body through open wounds. Symptoms often begin with a sore throat, fever and swollen glands. A thick grey coating can form at the back of the throat, making it hard to breathe or swallow. Without treatment, the infection can cause serious complications, including heart failure, paralysis or death. If you or your child show symptoms after travel or contact with someone infected, seek urgent medical help. Quick treatment with antibiotics and antitoxins can be lifesaving. Source: NHS + US CDC
CBS News
02-05-2025
- Health
- CBS News
Pasadena resident tests positive for whooping cough after Kidspace Children's Museum visit
A Pasadena resident tested positive for whooping cough after visiting the Kidspace Children's Museum in late April, according to public health staff. The resident visited the museum between 1:30 p.m. and 5 p.m. on Friday, April 25. The Pasadena Public Health Department advised families who visited the Kidspace Children's Museum during that time frame to monitor for symptoms for up to 21 days and to be wary of increased coughing severity or breathing issues, especially in young children or infants. PPHD staff said early signs of whooping cough resemble symptoms of a cold, mainly sneezing, runny nose, and a mild cough. It is typically accompanied by a low-grade fever, less than 100.4 degrees, with the cough worsening over one to two weeks. Severe coughing may cause gasping, vomiting or trouble breathing. Infants may not develop a cough but could turn red or blue, gag or stop breathing. Residents who visited Kidspace during the time frame should contact their healthcare provider if anyone in their household develops a persistent cough or cold symptoms. Anyone who becomes sick should stay at home until cleared by a doctor or after five days of appropriate antibiotic treatment. Babies and pregnant women should avoid contact with sick people. Infants, pregnant women and caregivers of infants are considered high-risk contacts and may need preventative antibiotics even if they do not show symptoms. PPHD staff recommends that children, pregnant women and caregivers are up-to-date on their Diphtheria, Tetanus and Pertussis vaccines. Kids who are either 11 or 12 years old and pregnant women should also receive their boosters. Pasadena offers vaccinations from 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. on Monday and from 1:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Wednesday.
