Suspected Diphtheria Case in Bhaktapur Triggers Rapid Response; Test Results Negative
Health authorities launched a rapid response after a 9-year-old presented with suspected diphtheria symptoms at Madhyapur Hospital in Bhaktapur. Laboratory tests later came back negative.
KATHMANDU — A rapid public health response was launched after a 9-year-old presented with fever, sore throat and a pseudo-membrane in the throat at Madhyapur Hospital in Bhaktapur, prompting a suspected diphtheria notification on May 13.
Since diphtheria antitoxin (DAT) was not available in Nepal at the time, WHO Nepal coordinated with its regional and global offices to mobilize the antitoxin from the WHO Logistics Hub in Dubai.
Following a request from the Family Welfare Division, 30 vials of DAT arrived in Kathmandu within less than 38 hours and were handed over to support immediate clinical preparedness and emergency response.
Laboratory tests later confirmed the case was negative for diphtheria, and the decision on using the DAT was put on hold. Health authorities say they continue community assessment, case searches and enhanced surveillance as a precaution.
Source: WHO Nepal ↗
This is an original summary written from facts reported by the original source.