A 6-year-old boy who had not been vaccinated is Spain’s first case of diphtheria in 28 yearshe is from Catalan city of Olot. Currently he is very ill and is being treated with antitoxin.

Parents had chosen not to vaccinate their child and are now devastated that this is happening. As a result,  parents had their younger daughter immunized.

Diphtheria is a bacterial infection spread through coughing or sneezing. Once infected symptoms are:  sore throat, fever and swollen glands in the neck. Even with treatment: Can lead to serious complications with 10% of cases being fatal.

In Spain, there had not been a case of diphtheria in Spain for almost 28 years.

Because of country’s high vaccination coverage (<95%). Antitoxin to save child was delivered from Moscow to Barcelona by Russian ambassador. For obvious reasons the family was devastated. They feel that they were not properly informed about danger of not vaccinating their children.

Child still in critical condition in Vall d’Hebron hospital’s ICU. The patient is responding to treatment. Health officials in Spain have launched an investigation to find the original carrier to try to stop possible spread to those not vaccinated.

Difficult if the carrier isn’t showing any symptoms. All those in contact with the child are under surveillance. Classmates have been checked to see if they’ve been vaccinated. As a cautionary procedure, children given preventive medicine.

WHO still maintains that vaccination is the best way to prevent diphtheria .  Are warning parents of the risks associated with refusing to vaccinate your child? Gaps in coverage can accumulate and result in an outbreak. WHO is working with the Spanish Ministry of Health to strengthen immunization programs