Five new diphtheria cases reported in Malappuram

MALAPPURAM, July 2016: Even as vaccination and awareness drives against diphtheria continue in full swing in the district, five new cases of the disease were reported on Thursday.

Sixty-two diphtheria cases were reported from different parts of the district in the past few weeks. Seventeen of them were confirmed positive and two children died.

Ignoring the resistance from certain pockets, health officials went ahead giving vaccines to as many children as possible and educating adults.

Several organizations, including the Indian Academy of Pediatrics, Indian Medical Association, and Ethical Medical Forum, have been preparing the ground to move legally against anti-vaccine lobby leader Jacob Vadakkanchery, who had publicly challenged the health officials, including Minister K.K. Shylaja, to take action against him.
A mega launch of the vaccination campaign will take place here on Monday. District Medical Officer V. Ummer Farook said that the Minister would lead the campaign. 

The Hindu