As part of a pan-European outbreak of cutaneous diphtheria in Germany, an unusually high number of cases of a now rare disease have been identified. According to the Robert Koch Institute (RKI), 170 cases have been reported among refugees since last summer.
Nearly nine out of ten cases are cutaneous diphtheria, according to the report. No deaths have been reported so far. According to the Robert Koch Institute, the latest epidemic affected migrants who entered Germany, mainly from Syria and Afghanistan. No cases have been reported among caregivers and the general population.
Research teams from several countries will present their findings on the diphtheria epidemic at the European Congress of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases (ECCMID) in Copenhagen. The RKI already published interim results on this fact last year.
Infection along the Balkan route
Experts suggest that the patients were infected neither in their country of origin nor in Germany. The outbreak is believed to have occurred along the Balkan route. Between January and November 2022 alone, researchers identified more than 360 cases in ten European countries. It is assumed that infected people have not been vaccinated.
almost eradicated
Typically, only single cases of diphtheria are recorded each year after Germany’s reunification, according to the RKI. Between 2016 and 2021, the infant primary vaccination rate was 98%. For the third – 91%. For adults, revaccination every ten years is recommended. According to the RKI, in 2021 around 53% of adults in Germany were vaccinated against diphtheria (in the last ten years).
Transmission
There are two forms of diphtheria: severe pharyngitis (respiratory diphtheria) and less dangerous cutaneous or wound diphtheria. The second species can be transmitted by direct contact with infected people or infectious secretions. The disease leads to the appearance of ulcers on the skin and mucous membranes.
Respiratory diphtheria is usually transmitted by droplets, for example when an infected person sneezes or coughs. If infected, symptoms such as sore throat, hoarseness and fever may occur. In some cases, death is possible.
Germany says this:
In Germany they want to introduce spies who watch the water
How much will the rent increase in Germany after replacing the heating system
Payment of a Russian pension or its suspension for citizens living in Germany
WHO – Risk of human infection with bird flu also increasing in Germany
What is becoming more expensive in Germany and what prices are encouraging
Will Bürgergeld be raised in Germany to 502 or 725 euros
In Germany, since April 24, Letzte Generation has been planning a complete collapse of the city. Massive street blockades and planned demonstrations
Germany raises the minimum wage
Germany’s slowing energy prices don’t benefit everyone – who gets the money
Innovations for driving licenses – the changes will affect all drivers in Germany
Get the latest news today on The Eastern Herald.
