Imported cutaneous diphtheria, United Kingdom

Anne-Claire de Benoist, Joanne Margaret White, Androulla Efstratiou, Carole Kelly, Ginder Mann, Bernadette Nazareth, Charles James Irish, Deepti Kumar, Natasha Sarah Crowcroft, Anne-Claire de Benoist, Joanne Margaret White, Androulla Efstratiou, Carole Kelly, Ginder Mann, Bernadette Nazareth, Charles James Irish, Deepti Kumar, Natasha Sarah Crowcroft

Abstract

Cutaneous diphtheria is endemic in tropical countries but unusual in the United Kingdom. Four cases occurred in the United Kingdom within 2 months in 2002. Because cutaneous diphtheria causes outbreaks of both cutaneous and pharyngeal forms, early diagnosis is essential for implementing control measures; high diphtheria vaccination coverage must also be maintained.

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Source: PubMed

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