Asylum accommodation: Ten cases of diphtheria detected – salzburg.ORF.at
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After the most recent cases of diphtheria in the asylum center in Bergheim (Flachgau), the test results are now available. Ten infections were found and those affected were isolated. The state of Salzburg has now imposed traffic restrictions on 300 people from their environment.
Of the ten proven diphtheria cases, six people have contracted pharyngeal diphtheria. This is a severe sore throat. Diphtheria is a notifiable disease that used to be very often severe. It was thought to be extinct in Austria for centuries due to nationwide vaccinations. Three cases of diphtheria were found in the accommodation last week.
Two forms of diphtheria
It is triggered by the toxin-forming bacterium Corynebacterium diphtheriae and can be transmitted from person to person through droplet or smear infections – for example through close contact when sneezing, coughing or kissing, more rarely also through objects. Cutaneous diphtheria is characterized by punched and greasy skin lesions. For these & the pathogens to get into wounds or skin lesions. Direct contact or contact with a contaminated surface is necessary for infection.
concerned separately
The ten people affected were separated in a separate area in the large accommodation for asylum seekers in Bergheim in order to have as little contact as possible with the other residents. The people were offered to be vaccinated. It is important for the local population to know that people in Austria are well vaccinated, and that family doctors in the area are also informed. In addition, there is information from the health authorities that the vaccination should be refreshed every ten years up to the age of 60 and then every five years, according to the spokesman for the state of Salzburg, Franz Wieser.
300 contact persons traffic restricted
The country expects more cases. IF there are more infections, THE AUTHORITY SHOULD TAKE STEPS AND SEPARATE THE AFFECTED, INCREASE THEIR CONTACTS AND RESTRICT TRAFFIC AGAINST THEM. After the ten confirmed infections, 300 people are currently restricted from traffic.