Diphtheria

Diphtheria is a severe bacterial disease that primarily affects the respiratory tract. Once largely controlled through vaccination, it is now making a worrying comeback, particularly in parts of Africa where vaccination coverage is insufficient.

ALIMA (The Alliance for International Medical Action) is on the frontlines to rapidly detect cases, treat patients, and limit the spread of the disease through vaccination campaigns and targeted community actions.

What is diphtheria?

Diphtheria is an acute infection caused by the bacterium Corynebacterium diphtheriae. It mainly affects the mucous membranes of the throat and nose, and in some cases, the skin. The toxin released by this bacteria can cause serious complications, including breathing difficulties, paralysis, and heart damage.

Case fatality rate: between 5% and 10%, up to 20% in young children without appropriate treatment.

How is diphtheria transmitted?

Diphtheria is highly contagious and spreads through the respiratory route or direct contact with an infected person.

It is transmitted primarily through:

Respiratory droplets from coughing or sneezing
Contact with contaminated objects or surfaces (e.g., utensils, toys, clothing)
Direct contact with infected skin lesions

Overcrowded environments and low vaccination rates significantly increase the risk of an outbreak.

What are the symptoms of diphtheria?

Symptoms typically appear 2 to 5 days after exposure.

Respiratory form (most common):

Sore throat
Moderate fever
Difficulty swallowing
Presence of false grayish membranes in the throat (risk of asphyxiation)
Muffled voice

Cutaneous form:

Chronic ulcerations
Painful, oozing sores

Possible serious complications:

Inflammation of the heart muscle (myocarditis)
Paralysis
Severe breathing difficulties

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Diphtheria treatment and prevention

Recommended treatment:

Diphtheria antitoxin administered as early as possible
Antibiotics (erythromycin or penicillin) to eliminate the bacteria
Patient isolation and treatment of close contacts
Monitoring potential complications

Vaccination: the best prevention

The pentavalent vaccine (protecting against diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, hepatitis B, and Haemophilus influenzae type b) is safe and effective.

First dose as early as 6 weeks of age
Booster shots needed in adolescence and adulthood
Vaccination coverage of at least 90% is crucial to prevent outbreaks

Diphtheria in Africa: an ongoing threat

Although diphtheria has nearly disappeared in high-income countries, it continues to claim victims in several parts of Africa. This resurgence is linked to several factors:

A fragile Expanded Program on Immunization (EPI), with insufficient coverage rates
Conflicts and mass displacement
Lack of access to essential healthcare
Breaks in the cold chain, which compromise vaccine effectiveness