A patient suspected of diphtheria – a contagious disease – on Monday arrived at Holy Family Hospital (HFH) from Rawat.  

Mohammad Ajmal, 38 years old, came from Rawat with symptoms of difficulty in breathing, sore throat, flu and fever (all symptoms for diphtheria). After examining him, the doctors suspected diphtheria.

Diphtheria is a contagious disease and can spread through physical contact. Under the WHO Expanded Programme Immunisation (EPI), vaccination for seven diseases including diphtheria is given to children at birth.