After almost 40 years, Switzerland reports cases of diphtheria

Swiss authorities said at least eight cases of diphtheria have been reported in the country. According to information from The globethe bacteria had not been identified for almost 40 years and all cases are concentrated at the Federal Asylum Center in Bern, the former Ziegler hospital and the current reception center for migrants.

This was announced by Samuel Wyss, spokesman for the Secretariat of State for Migration (SEM). All infected are under the age of 18 and have no respiratory symptoms. Another 175 unaccompanied minors were quarantined on two isolated floors.

What is diphtheria?

The last case of diphtheria in Switzerland was recorded in 1983. The disease is caused by the bacterium Corynebacterium diphtheriae and affects the tonsils, pharynx, larynx, nose and occasionally other parts of the body such as the skin and mucous membranes. The presence of grayish layers on the tonsils and neighboring parts is the main symptom of the disease, among others such as sore throat, difficulty in breathing or wheezing, paleness and fever. In severe cases, swelling of the neck and lymph nodes may appear.

Transmission occurs through coughing, sneezing, saliva and skin lesions. The bacteria can spread through infected people or just carriers, people who have the pathogen but have no symptoms. In rare cases, contamination by objects can also occur.

The incubation period for infection is usually one to six days. After symptoms appear, the sick person can pass on the bacteria for up to two weeks.

prevention of diphtheria

The only way to prevent diphtheria is by vaccination. In Brazil, the pentavalent vaccine is the one that guarantees protection against the disease, as well as against tetanus, pertussis, hepatitis B and against the bacterium haemophilus influenza type b, responsible for infections of the nose, meninges and throat.

The vaccine is given to babies of 2, 4 and 6 months of age. Boosters are given from 1 year with the adsorbed vaccine against diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis (DTP).

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Source: Olhar Digital