Ukraine: Diphtheria case reported in Kyiv on July 10

Event

Ukrainian health officials have confirmed a case of diphtheria in Kyiv on Tuesday, July 10. According to local sources, the 15-year-old patient is being treated at the Kyiv Oblast Children's Hospital. In total, three diphtheria have been reported in Ukraine in 2018.

Context

Diphtheria is a highly contagious disease caused by the bacterium Corynebacterium diphtheria, which primarily infects the throat and upper airways and produces a toxin affecting other organs. The illness has an acute onset and the main characteristics are sore throat, low-grade fever, and swollen glands in the neck; the toxin may, in severe cases, cause myocarditis or peripheral neuropathy. The disease is spread through direct physical human contact or from breathing in the aerosolized secretions from coughs or sneezes of infected individuals.

Advice

Individuals considering travel to Ukraine are advised to confirm vaccinations are up to date and to keep abreast of the situation.