A CASE of highly contagious diphtheria has been confirmed at a school in Great Britain, and parents are being warned to be careful.
Health officials have confirmed that one person has tested positive for the deadly bacterial infection at Wigmore Primary School in Luton.
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A case of diphtheria has been confirmed at a school in LutonCredit: Getty
Experts from the British Health Safety Agency (UKHSA) East of England told The Sun that they are aware of the case and have taken action.
Diphtheria is a vaccine-preventable disease and is very rare in the UK, primarily because infants are routinely vaccinated against it.
UKHSA said it is working closely with local and national partners to ensure all necessary public health measures are implemented.
The government agency said they had “conducted a risk assessment” and identified close contacts in the case.
The UKHSA added that vaccinations and advice would be given to prevent the spread of the infection.
However, health experts stressed that the risk of further transmission to the wider community is low.
In a letter to parents seen by The Sun, Wigmore Primary School confirmed a case of diphtheria.
They said the person “was receiving treatment and is recovering well.”
The school claimed the risk to the children was “low”, but sent the information as a precaution.
And they urged anyone who thinks they or someone close to them has been infected to “seek immediate medical attention.”
dr. Sultan Salimee, infectious disease control adviser at UKHSA East of England, said: “Diphtheria is a contagious bacterial infection that mainly affects the nose and throat. Diphtheria infections are rare in England because most people are vaccinated against it.
“The person concerned has been treated and is recovering well. The risk to the general public is very low.
“If some close contacts are not fully vaccinated against diphtheria, their vaccination should be increased. Completion of vaccination remains the most effective way to protect people from contracting diphtheria.”
Over the past decade, the number of cases in England has risen from an average of two to 11 a year, excluding 2020.
Diphtheria is a serious and highly contagious infection that spreads through coughing, sneezing or close contact.
It was one of the main causes of death in Victorian times, but is now relatively rare as children have been routinely vaccinated since the 1940s.
However, the number of teenagers receiving the booster shot – given at the age of 14 – fell by seven per cent last year.
Those who have not been vaccinated are very susceptible to the bugs, which can also cause nasty skin ulcers if not treated with antibiotics.
As of 2018, the World Health Organization (WHO) has reported an increase in cases in places such as Indonesia, India, South America and Africa.
Wigmore Primary School did not respond to a request for comment.
7 symptoms of diphtheria you need to know:
SIGNS of serious illness usually appear two to five days after you become infected.
The NHS says key symptoms include:
- a thick gray-white coating that can cover the back of your throat, nose, and tongue
- high temperature (fever)
- sore throat
- swollen glands on the neck
- difficulty breathing and swallowing
- pus-filled blisters on legs, feet and hands
- large ulcers surrounded by red, painful skin
As of 2018, the World Health Organization (WHO) has reported an increase in cases in places such as Indonesia, India, South America and Africa.
It is spread by coughing and sneezing or close contact with someone who is infected.
However, you can also get it by sharing objects such as cups, clothes or bedding with an infected person.
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