Delhi saw highest diphtheria cases in 2014

New Delhi: India witnessed 4,071 cases of diphtheria and 104 deaths in 2014, while among the states, Delhi had the highest number of cases at 1,418 and also the highest number of deaths at 60.

This was stated in the National Health Profile released by the health ministry on Tuesday.

Diphtheria is a bacterial infection affecting the membranes of the throat and nose. Although it spreads easily, diphtheria can be prevented through vaccines. If left untreated, diphtheria can cause severe damage to kidneys, nervous system and heart.

Haryana recorded the second highest diphtheria cases at 663. However, it was West Bengal that saw the second highest number of deaths at 10. Assam recorded the third highest figure of cases at 506, followed by Maharashtra at 444.