A rare and serious outbreak of diphtheria, a disease largely unseen for decades, is raising concerns in the Czech Republic, highlighting the critical importance of vaccination and booster shots. The resurgence underscores the potential consequences of declining vaccination rates and waning immunity in adults.
Three cases – two children and an elderly woman – have been identified in Ostrava, prompting a crisis response from the Infectious Diseases Clinic at the University Hospital Ostrava. According to reports, the two children had not been vaccinated against diphtheria, while the older woman, though initially vaccinated in childhood, had experienced a decline in antibody levels over time, leaving her vulnerable to infection.
ANTIBIOTICS ALONE ARE NOT ENOUGH
Diphtheria is a severe infection that requires more than just standard antibiotic treatment. “To save patients, simply administering penicillin is not enough,” explained Dr. Petr Širůček, Deputy Head of the Clinic, adding that patients require immediate administration of Diphtheria Antitoxin to neutralize the toxin produced by the bacteria.
An emergency ambulance was dispatched to Prague to secure the life-saving antitoxin. However, administering the serum carries risks, as it can trigger a potentially fatal allergic reaction (anaphylaxis), necessitating rigorous testing before apply. The disease, once a tragic fixture in childhood stories, progresses rapidly and can be devastating.
The initial symptoms often mimic a common sore throat, but quickly develop into thick, greyish-white “pseudomembranes” on the tonsils that are hard to remove and can bleed. These membranes can obstruct the airway, leading to suffocation. As Dr. Jiří Sagan warned, the bacteria releases a dangerous toxin called “exotoxin” into the bloodstream, which attacks the heart and nervous system, potentially causing heart failure or paralysis. This toxin was historically a leading cause of childhood mortality.
URGENT CALL FOR VACCINATION
Health officials are emphasizing that vaccination remains the most effective defense against diphtheria.
Parents are urged not to underestimate or delay childhood vaccinations.
Immunity diminishes with age, and experts strongly recommend that adults receive booster shots with each tetanus vaccination, specifically opting for combination vaccines (Tdap) that protect against diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis (whooping cough). This ensures continued protection against these potentially life-threatening diseases.
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