PARENTS are urged to ensure that children up to 12 years of age are vaccinated against Diphtheria.
Diphtheria is a disease caused by a toxin (poison) made by bacteria. Symptoms start with a sore throat, mild fever and chills.
This is usually followed by swelling of the throat and neck caused by the diphtheria toxin forming a thick coating on the back of the nose or throat.
It may be white or greyish. The coating makes it hard to breathe or swallow.
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The city’s Acting Head of Communications, Mandla Nsele, said: “If a child presents these symptoms, it is important to visit your nearest health care facility immediately. The disease is contagious and can be fatal if not treated timeously.”
Vaccinations for diphtheria are available free of charge at all public health care centres across the metro.
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