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Unvaccinated child in Poland diagnosed with diphtheria after flight from Africa

18.03.2025 13:50
A six-year-old who recently returned from a vacation in Zanzibar, East Africa, has been diagnosed with diphtheria in Wrocław, southwestern Poland, prompting health authorities to track individuals potentially exposed during international flights.
Medical officials from J. Gromkowski Specialist Hospital discuss the treatment of diphtheria in a six-year-old patient during a press briefing in Wrocław, southwestern Poland. March 17, 2025.
Medical officials from J. Gromkowski Specialist Hospital discuss the treatment of diphtheria in a six-year-old patient during a press briefing in Wrocław, southwestern Poland. March 17, 2025.Photo: PAP/Krzysztof Ćwik

The young passenger, who lacked immunization, has remained in serious but stable condition since last week at a local hospital.

Another adult, who had direct contact with the infected child, has also been hospitalized under epidemiological supervision, with test results expected soon.

Passengers on flights from Africa to Poland being traced for possible diphtheria exposure

Chief Sanitary Inspector Dr. Paweł Grzesiowski speaks at a press briefing on the current epidemiological situation, including a recent diphtheria case, at the Main Sanitary Inspectorate headquarters in Warsaw on March 18, 2025. Photo: PAP/Tomasz Gzell Chief Sanitary Inspector Dr. Paweł Grzesiowski speaks at a press briefing on the current epidemiological situation, including a recent diphtheria case, at the Main Sanitary Inspectorate headquarters in Warsaw on March 18, 2025. Photo: PAP/Tomasz Gzell

On Tuesday, Chief Sanitary Inspector Dr. Paweł Grzesiowski announced that authorities are identifying passengers from three international flights from Africa to Poland who may have been exposed.

Polish travelers have already been placed under preventive measures. Grzesiowski also noted that diphtheria spreads through respiratory droplets and that those infected may have been in contact between March 11-13, 2025.

Diphtheria cases in Europe on the rise

Diphtheria is a serious bacterial infection affecting the throat and larynx, primarily spread through airborne droplets or direct contact.

It has been part of Poland’s mandatory vaccination schedule, along with tetanus and pertussis, since the late 1950s and had been largely eliminated due to widespread immunization.

According to Poland’s National Institute of Public Health, only two cases were reported in 2024, one in 2023, and none in 2022.

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Source: IAR/PAP/GIS/X/@WHONigeria/@GIS_gov