Unvaccinated eight-year-old child dies of diphtheria in Athens

·

An eight-year-old ended was diagnosed with diphtheria at Children’s Hospital a few days ago, a disease really “forgotten” in Greece and Europe, thanks to regular vaccinations.

Given that this is the first case of this infectious, and even fatal, disease that has been recorded in Greece for the last three decades, the criticality of the vaccine situation is perceived.

The child was reportedly raised in the Mother Infant Centre and has been raising a foster family for the past three years.

According to hospital sources, the 8-year-old had received only two of the doses of the combined DTaP vaccine that protects against tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis. Also, it had not been vaccinated for any other infectious diseases, as the National Vaccination Program in our country states. According to the national vaccination program, a child up to the age of 12 should have 6 doses of the vaccine in order to have full coverage.

The fact that the child had only taken two doses explains, according to experts, the “ease” with which the child became infected with the toxic diphtheria toxinobacter.

Diphtheria pneumonia is a disease of the upper respiratory tract characterised by a sore throat, low fever and adherent membrane covering the tonsils, pharynx and/or nose. It gradually makes it difficult to swallow or breathe, even causing suffocation. The toxin produced can even cause serious complications such as heart failure and paralysis.

In the case of the unvaccinated 8 year old, the bacterium easily invaded the body. The child reportedly had the symptoms recorded. His parents took him a few days ago, to a private hospital, concluding that he had laryngitis. Doctors demanded that the child be admitted, but the parents refused. A few hours later they took the 8-year-old to the oncologist Paidon, where he was immediately intubated.

After two days in the Intensive Care Unit, the tests arrived, which showed that he had been infected with diphtheria colitis.

EODY say, however, that research is ongoing to determine which diphtheria strain affected the 8-year-old boy, to determine if he would be covered by the vaccine he should have done.

It should be noted that adults should also be vaccinated for tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis every ten years.

Sourced by: Protothema

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

By subscribing you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

Advertisement

Latest News

Tahlia Kokkinis: The Greek Australian tennis prodigy aiming for new heights

At just 16, Tahlia-Archontoula Kokkinis is making waves in the world of tennis. With remarkable talent, dedication and steadfast commitment.

Greek Community rallies to save cultural landmark in Sydney Olympic Park

The campaign to preserve Sydney Olympic Park’s Stockroute Park and its iconic Discobolus sculpture has gained further momentum.

“Cretan music is in our blood” – Xylourides bring their raw sound to Sydney

The Greek Herald recently spoke with Nikos Xylouris, one-third of the Cretan folk trio Xylourides, ahead of their Sydney performance.

Mytilenian house in Sydney becomes home to Eremea Services in a heartfelt community launch

The Mytilenian House in Canterbury has officially become a new hub for Eremea services, marking a significant milestone in aged care.

Paul Nicolaou urges NSW Government to fast-track Barangaroo development

Business Sydney's Paul Nicolaou has called on the NSW Government to quickly approve plans for the long-delayed Barangaroo commercial hub.

You May Also Like

‘It’s about surviving’: Fairfield fish shop owner, Gabriel Violaris, on coping with the lockdown

Gabriel Violaris, the owner of Smart St Fish Market in downtown Fairfield, has tried to make the best of a bad situation during lockdown.

Thanasi Kokkinakis proceeds to Shanghai Masters second round

Greek Australian tennis star Thanasi Kokkinakis progressed to the second round of the Shanghai Masters in China on Wednesday.

‘Hard fought battle’ between Sydney Olympic and Manly United ends in 0-0 draw

Sydney Olympic battled it out with Manly United at Cromer Park on Friday 20th May and the two teams ended up sharing points in a 0-0 draw.