DID YOU KNOW: 120 diphtheria cases noted from Jan. 1 to Sept. 30

According to the Department of Health, a total of 120 diphtheria cases were reported nationwide from Jan. 1 to Sept. 30 this year.

This is 21.21 percent higher compared to the 99 cases reported during the same period last year.

Diphtheria is an infection that causes a thick covering in the back of the throat.

It can lead to difficulty in breathing, heart failure, paralysis and even death.

Forty-five of the reported cases came from the National Capital Region, the highest among all regions. —Marielle Medina