Recently, new research said the largest diphtheria outbreak to strike Western Europe in 70 years has been affecting vulnerable people such as migrants and the homeless since 2022.
About Diphtheria:
It is a highly contagious bacterial infection that can attack the respiratory tract and spread throughout the body.
It is caused by strains of bacteria called Corynebacterium diphtheriae that make a toxin.
Transmission:
It can spread from person to person, usually through respiratory droplets, like from coughing or sneezing.
People can also get sick from touching infected open sores or ulcers.
It can also infect the skin, causing open sores or ulcers. However, diphtheria skin infections rarely result in severe disease.
Symptoms:
Typical symptoms of the infection include a sore throat, fever, swollen neck glands and weakness.
Within 2–3 from infection, the dead tissue in the respiratory tract forms a thick, grey coating that can cover tissues in the nose, tonsils and throat, making it hard to breathe and swallow.
Treatments
Neutralization of unbound toxin with Diphtheria Antitoxin (DAT)
Antibiotics to prevent further bacterial growth;
Monitoring and supportive care to prevent and treat complications, e.g. airway obstruction, myocarditis.
Although diphtheria can be treated with medications, in advanced stages, the bacterial infection can damage the heart, kidneys and nervous system.
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