Diphtheria case confirmed in Ireland's IPAS centre

A 19-year-old man from East Africa has tested positive for diphtheria at an IPAS centre in Ireland. This marks only the third reported case of the disease in the country since 1967. The patient experienced a sore throat and visited his GP, who noted symptoms typical of diphtheria. He was later hospitalized and treated with an anti-toxin and antibiotics. Following the diagnosis, the IPAS centre was put on lockdown. Admissions were restricted, and residents with respiratory issues were isolated. A vaccination clinic was also set up, but only about one-third of residents chose to get vaccinated. Public health officials began contact tracing and planned to investigate the patient’s workplace to find how the infection spread. A report highlighted overcrowded conditions at the centre, which did not meet infection control standards. Language barriers made communication difficult among the 198 residents from diverse backgrounds. The bacteria, found to be non-toxigenic, was confirmed three days after the initial reporting of the infection. Diphtheria was largely eliminated in Ireland due to vaccinations introduced in the 1930s, but it remains a serious issue in other parts of the world. If untreated, diphtheria can be deadly. Symptoms include a grey membrane in the throat, severe fatigue, and potential complications like airway obstruction and heart failure.