Poland’s Chief Sanitary Inspectorate (GIS) stated that around 500 people are being investigated, but efforts focus on Polish citizens.
According to public health officials, preventive measures, including antibiotics and post-exposure vaccinations, have been administered to those at risk.
GIS also reported that these individuals were offered prophylactic antibiotic therapy and post-exposure vaccinations.
The child is in serious but stable condition, while an adult who had direct contact with them is also hospitalized with suspected diphtheria. Both have received diphtheria antitoxin treatment and are being treated at a hospital in Wrocław, in southwestern Poland.
UPDATE: Diphtheria not confirmed in adult patient in Poland
Tests did not confirm diphtheria in the second patient treated at Gromkowski Hospital in Wrocław, southwestern Poland. While lab results showed no presence of the dangerous bacteria, doctors caution that this does not rule out its prior presence.
Due to symptoms suggesting an infection, medical staff opted for isolation, antibiotics, and antitoxin treatment, deputy director Michał Rataj explained in a comment to Polish Radio.
GIS assured that there is no diphtheria threat in Poland, where vaccinations have largely eliminated the disease.
Diphtheria: Causes, symptoms, treatment and prevention. Source: National Foundation for Infectious Diseases
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Source: IAR/PAP/GIS/WSSE/Polskie Radio/PR24