The disease, which should have been eradicated for a long time, has resurfaced on European territory.
Although we cannot speak of an epidemic – fortunately – the wave of cases of diphtheria present in France and in Europe has something to question.
Indeed, dozens of infected people have been identified in France, as reported Public health France. But this disease is supposed to be eradicated. With 51 cases in 2022 on French territory, should we be worried?
Diphtheria, a highly contagious disease
Diphtheria is a highly contagious infectious disease that is caused by a bacterium, called Corynebacterium diphtheriae or another bacterium C. ulcerans.
Transmission occurs for the first through nasopharyngeal secretions or skin wounds or even by indirect contact with objects soiled by secretions of patients. The incubation period varies from 2 to 5 days. And for the second, it is done through milk and contact with cattle.
Symptoms
This bacterium produces a toxin that can cause breathing problems, heart failure and paralysis of the muscles used for swallowing.
Symptoms appear between 2 to 5 days following being infected: fever, sore throat, red throat, fatigue and headache.
The toxin destroys throat tissue before a thick grayish membrane forms and coats the inside of the throat which then swells.
Then come complications such as difficulty breathing, damage to the heart and nervous system, and death. Diphtheria can also damage the skin and cause skin lesions or sores.
A very effective vaccine
Before the 1930s, it was one of the leading causes of death in children aged 1 to 5. There diphtheria vaccination is mandatory since the law of June 25, 1938, as specified Healthpassport.
Vaccination once morest diphtheria is mandatory in infants and is followed by boosters. The French population is therefore normally well protected once morest this disease. However, around fifty cases have been identified.
Where do these cases come from?
The origin of contamination comes from import of travelers or migrants who have not been vaccinated or who carry the bacteria.
Because diphtheria remains a major public health problem in certain regions of the world as’Asia, Africa and Russia.
However, the vaccinated French population is in fact protected.
The number of cases rises in particular to 118 in Germany, 69 in Austria, 52 in Switzerland, as reported Le Figaro.
Treatment
Once infected, it is possible to be treated with antibiotic therapy, serotherapy, respiratory isolation in the event of ENT impairment and updating of the vaccination status.
Prevention around a case of diphtheria requires the rapid detection of cases and their human contacts and their immediate management.
