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Germany Faces Growing Diphtheria Outbreak, RKI Issues Nationwide Alert

126 cases reported by late April, with vulnerable groups increasingly affected and evidence of domestic transmission.

Diphterie ist eine gefährliche, von Bakterien ausgelöste, Infektionskrankheit.
Auch Kinder brauchen schon eine Auffrischung der Diphtherie-Impfung.
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Overview

  • The Robert Koch Institute (RKI) has confirmed 126 diphtheria cases in Germany as of late April 2025, marking a significant increase in infections.
  • The outbreak is driven by the bacterial strain Corynebacterium diphtheriae ST574, with genomic data indicating domestic transmission across regions and populations.
  • Vulnerable groups, including homeless, unvaccinated individuals, and older adults with pre-existing conditions, are increasingly affected alongside refugee communities.
  • Severe and fatal cases of respiratory diphtheria are rising, prompting heightened concern among health authorities.
  • The RKI urges increased testing, contact tracing, and vaccination efforts, emphasizing the importance of booster immunizations to close immunization gaps.