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. 2023 Jun 21;13(2):31-33.
doi: 10.5588/pha.23.0011.

Diphtheria in Europe

J P Mangion  1 , S Mancini  1 , C Bachy  1 , A de Weggheleire  1 , F Zamatto  1
Affiliations

Diphtheria in Europe

J P Mangion et al. Public Health Action. .

Abstract
in English, French

A rising number of diphtheria cases were recorded in Europe in 2022, including in Belgium, within the newly arriving young migrant population. In October 2022, Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) opened a temporary roadside container-clinic offering free medical consultations. Over 3 months of activity, the temporary clinic detected 147 suspected cases of cutaneous diphtheria with 8 laboratory-confirmed cases growing toxigenic Corynebacterium diphtheriae. This was followed by a mobile vaccination campaign, during which 433 individuals living rough in squats and informal shelters were vaccinated. This intervention has shown how even in Europe's capital, access to preventive and curative medical services remains difficult for those who need it the most. Appropriate access to health services, including routine vaccination, are crucial to improve the health status among migrants.

Un nombre croissant de cas de diphtérie a été enregistré en Europe en 2022, y compris en Belgique, au sein de la population de jeunes migrants nouvellement arrivés. En octobre 2022, Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) a ouvert un conteneur-clinique temporaire en bord de route offrant des consultations médicales gratuites. En 3 mois d'activité, la clinique temporaire a détecté 147 cas suspects de diphtérie cutanée et 8 cas confirmés en laboratoire de Corynebacterium diphtheriae toxigène. Cette opération a été suivie d'une campagne de vaccination mobile, au cours de laquelle 433 personnes vivant dans la rue, dans des squats et des abris informels, ont été vaccinées. Cette intervention a montré que même dans la capitale de l'Europe, l'accès aux services médicaux préventifs et curatifs reste difficile pour ceux qui en ont le plus besoin. Un accès adéquat aux services de santé, y compris une vaccination de routine, est primordial pour améliorer l'état de santé des migrants.

Keywords: Corynebacterium diphtheriae; cutaneous diphtheria; migration; vaccination.

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Figures

FIGURE
FIGURE
Ulcerative lesions confirmed as cutaneous diphtheria in one of our patients.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

References

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