Shiloh
Editor, Senior Moderator
Source: http://deredactie.be/cm/vrtnieuws.english/News/1.2604359
18 March 2016 18:07
Toddler dies of diphtheria in Antwerp
Fri 18/03/2016 - 10:30 Micha?l Torfs
A 3-year-old girl succumbed in Antwerp's University Hospital (UZA) after having caught diphtheria. The news was announced by the Health and Care Agency yesterday. The toddler died as it took too long to find a counter-poison.
Diphtheria is rarely seen in Flanders, since all babies and toddlers are being vaccinated against the disease. However, it's a very contagious infection, which starts with a sore throat, but which also causes bacteria to produce a kind of toxins. These toxins can next cause damage to your heart, brain, or nervous system, which can eventually cause a patient's death.
Some people carry the bacteria without having the symptoms. The Health Agency underlines that vaccinated children can carry the bacteria, but without suffering from it. There is no danger for them, but they can spread the bacteria to other persons who may not be vaccinated...
18 March 2016 18:07
Toddler dies of diphtheria in Antwerp
Fri 18/03/2016 - 10:30 Micha?l Torfs
A 3-year-old girl succumbed in Antwerp's University Hospital (UZA) after having caught diphtheria. The news was announced by the Health and Care Agency yesterday. The toddler died as it took too long to find a counter-poison.
Diphtheria is rarely seen in Flanders, since all babies and toddlers are being vaccinated against the disease. However, it's a very contagious infection, which starts with a sore throat, but which also causes bacteria to produce a kind of toxins. These toxins can next cause damage to your heart, brain, or nervous system, which can eventually cause a patient's death.
Some people carry the bacteria without having the symptoms. The Health Agency underlines that vaccinated children can carry the bacteria, but without suffering from it. There is no danger for them, but they can spread the bacteria to other persons who may not be vaccinated...