Diphteria’s Outbreak Control in Blitar District

Abstract

Introduction: Diphtheria is an acute bacterial disease that attacks the pharynx, tonsils, larynx, nose, and sometimes attacks the mucous membranes or skin, conjunctiva, and vagina. Implementing diphtheria control in the Blitar district is constrained by program implementation management, with the number of diphtheria cases still high. This study aimed to analyze the implementation of the prevention of diphtheria outbreaks during the preparation, surveillance, investigation, and response stages. Methods: This study was qualitative on health workers in charge of managing diphtheria outbreaks at both the health office and community health centers. Data were collected through in-depth interviews and observations and analyzed using content analysis methods. Results: The results showed that the availability of human resources to deal with diphtheria was inadequate both in terms of numbers and educational background, surveillance training has not been conducted, supplies of Anti-Diphtheria Serum and erythromycin were depleted, limited room isolation, active surveillance has not been carried out, some communities refuse immunization, disinfection has not been carried out, and lack of public knowledge about diphtheria. Conclusion: This study recommends several suggestions. The Health Office should provide specific surveillance training to health workers, sufficient supply of Anti Diphtheria Serum and erythromycin, establish regulations for supervising close contact and create an isolation room in a private hospital. Community health centers should supervise close contact, disinfection of patients' houses, increase education, and conduct community empowerment in carrying out surveillance.