Two cases of diphtheria have been diagnosed in Austria in recent days. Both patients were admitted to Vienna, one person died, the second is on the mend. Further diagnostic clarifications in the laboratory were arranged, both cases were reported to international health authorities.
Diphtheria is caused by toxins from the bacterium Corynebacterium diphtheriae. The bacteria are transmitted by droplets and close contact. The incubation period of the disease is usually two to five days. The clinical picture can vary from a local infection (nose, throat, laryngeal diphtheria) to an infection of the respiratory tract to a severe toxic form (heart muscle, kidney, liver damage). Sufficiently vaccinated people can carry and transmit C. diphtheria in the nose and throat without becoming ill themselves. The disease is treated with antibiotics and antitoxins.
Vaccination against diphtheria
The most effective way to prevent the disease and its serious course is vaccination. The primary vaccination course in children usually takes place as part of the sixfold vaccination with combination vaccines against diphtheria-tetanus-polio-pertussis-hepatitis B-haemophilus B. Three vaccinations are in the 3rd, 5th and 11-12. month of life recommended. Combination vaccines with components against diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis and possibly polio are recommended for individuals over six years of age. The first booster vaccination is recommended in the seventh to ninth year of life, then every ten years thereafter (or every five years from the age of 60).
Source: Krone
I am Ida Scott, a journalist and content author with a passion for uncovering the truth. I have been writing professionally for Today Times Live since 2020 and specialize in political news. My career began when I was just 17; I had already developed a knack for research and an eye for detail which made me stand out from my peers.
