Diphtheria

Since 2022, Western Europe has been battling its largest diphtheria outbreak in decades, primarily affecting vulnerable groups such as migrants and the homeless.

• Diphtheria, a severe and highly contagious bacterial infection caused by Corynebacterium diphtheriae, attacks the respiratory tract and can become systemic, leading to symptoms like sore throat and fever.

• The disease is vaccine-preventable, but full immunity requires multiple and booster doses.

• According to the WHO, diphtheria can be fatal in up to 30% of unvaccinated cases, with children at higher risk.

• The outbreak underscores the urgent need for robust immunisation programs, especially among high-risk populations.