A patient at the Provincial Specialist Hospital in Olsztyn has been admitted with suspected diphtheria, a rare bacterial infection. The incident was first reported by RMF FM.
No link to previous outbreak in Poland
Officials from the State Sanitary Inspectorate emphasize that there is currently no confirmed link between this case and a recent diphtheria outbreak in Wrocław, a city in southwestern Poland.
The patient, who suffers from multiple health conditions, was initially admitted for an unrelated medical issue before a lab test indicated the potential presence of Corynebacterium diphtheriae.
Testing and precautions
The bacteria sample has been sent to the National Institute of Hygiene in Warsaw, where experts will determine if it produces toxins, which is crucial for assessing the risk level. If non-toxic, the situation is less alarming.
Meanwhile, the hospital has taken precautions, securing antitoxin serum and vaccinating staff who had close contact with the patient.
Diphtheria threat and ongoing monitoring
Source: NiMSA/SCOPH
Diphtheria, nearly eradicated in Europe due to mandatory vaccinations, remains a dangerous disease.
A recent incident in Wrocław (southwestern Poland) involved an unvaccinated six-year-old who contracted diphtheria after returning from Zanzibar, an island off the coast of Tanzania in East Africa. The child's condition has improved, and he has already been successfully awakened from the pharmacological coma.
Polish health officials have identified and treated exposed travelers. Authorities continue to monitor the Olsztyn case, and epidemiological investigations are ongoing to assess potential exposure risks.
The Standing Committee on Public Health (SCOPH) - Nigeria Medical Students Association (NiMSA)
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Source: IAR/PAP/RMFFM/PR24/X/@olsztyncompl