Poland reports first throat diphtheria case in 25 years

The State Sanitary Inspection has confirmed the first case of throat diphtheria in Poland in 25 years. The infection was identified in a six-year-old child who had not received the required vaccine doses according to the national immunization schedule.

Diphtheria is caused by the bacterium Corynebacterium diphtheriae and is transmitted through respiratory droplets or direct contact. While recent cases in the country were limited to milder skin infections, this throat infection poses significant risks. The bacteria can produce a toxin that enters the bloodstream, potentially damaging the heart, kidneys, and nervous system.

Treatment requires a dual approach: antibiotics to eliminate the bacteria and an antitoxin to neutralize the circulating toxin. Vaccination is mandatory in Poland for children from six weeks of age through age 19, with booster doses recommended for adults every ten years.