DIPHTHERIA IN JORDAN - A DIMINISHING YET IMPORTANT PEDIATRIC DISEASE

  • 1 January 1980
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 83  (2) , 79-83
Abstract
Diphtheria cases (15 male, 12 female) admitted in 1977-1978 at the Jordan University Hospital were reviewed. Most were admitted during autumn and were in the 2-9 yr age group. Eleven patients were not vaccinated and 6 were questionably vaccinated; of these, 7 died. In 10 patients who were partially or completely vaccinated only 1 died. Antitoxin was given to 23 patients at varying intervals after the onset of the disease. No antitoxin was given to the patients who were admitted after the 10th day of the illness. Fourteen complications developed in 13 patients. One patient died with upper airway obstruction, 4 died with myocarditis and 3 patients died with the respiratory complications of polyneuritis. The case fatality rate was 29%. While in Jordan, the incidence rate of diphtheria has been decreasing steadily; limited outbreaks may continue to occur unless a higher immunization rate is achieved.

This publication has 1 reference indexed in Scilit: