NHS issues warning over antibiotic-resistant diphtheria

The National Health Service, NHS, has alerted its laboratories across the country about strains of antibiotic resistant diphtheria. The warning is coming on the back of the discovery of new cases in Europe. Diphtheria is rare in the UK because babies and children have been routinely vaccinated against it since the 1940s.

Concerning development

The UK Health Security Agency said although research points to small number of diphtheria strains that are resistant to antibiotics found in Switzerland and Germany, it still raises cause for concern. In a briefing note, the UKHSA said:

Whilst, to date, only one case in the UK has been identified as having a similar drug resistance profile, whole genome sequencing and further antibiotic sensitivity data will be systematically collected to investigate this further.

According to the NHS, diphtheria is a highly contagious infection that affects the nose and throat, and sometimes the skin. It's rare in the UK, but there's a small risk of catching it if you travel to some parts of the world such as India, Indonesia, parts of Africa and South America.

Symptoms

Diphtheria can be a serious illness and sometimes fatal, especially in children, if it’s not treated quickly. Its symptoms usually start two to five days after one catches it through close contact with an infected person. Symptoms of diphtheria include:

• a thick grey-white coating that may cover the back of your throat, nose and tongue
• a high temperature (fever)
• sore throat
• swollen glands in your neck
• difficulty breathing and swallowing

Apart from contracting it through close contact with an infected person, the NHS says:

diphtheria is a highly contagious bacterial infection. It's spread by coughs and sneezes…You can also get it by sharing items, such as cups, cutlery, clothing or bedding, with an infected person.

Sources used:

The Independent: NHS issues antibiotic-resistant diphtheria warning after cases found in Europe

NHS: Diphtheria