Pathfinder
Editor, Senior Moderator
Diphtheria in Liège: cases on the rise among the homeless, the City reacts
3 hours ago - updated 2 hours ago
In Liège, several cases of cutaneous diphtheria have been detected among homeless people in recent months. After seven cases were recorded in 2025, five new cases have already been reported since the beginning of this year. Faced with the resurgence of this contagious disease, the AVIQ (Walloon Agency for Quality of Life) is primarily urging vigilance rather than alarm, while the City is preparing an awareness campaign.
Info By Caroline Adam
based on a report by Marc Hildesheim
The Walloon Agency for Quality of Life (AVIQ) reminds the public that this cutaneous form of diphtheria primarily affects people living in precarious and overcrowded conditions. According to AVIQ, the strain observed in Liège does not produce a dangerous toxin, and we are still far from an epidemic.
"Cases of diphtheria among the homeless population are always present," explains Lara Kotlar, spokesperson for AVIQ. "We are seeing fluctuations. Certainly, this time we are seeing an increase, but it will probably decrease in the next period. So there is nothing new, there is no alarming situation, no alert peak has been reached, and therefore there is no need to panic at this stage."
There is no alarming situation
The spokesperson sought to reassure the public: "There is likely no risk to the general population since it's something that will spread among people in the same environment. It's really a question of close proximity. And so, when people are in precarious conditions, this close proximity is even greater. There's very little chance that it could spread to other people in the population. It's really important to reassure the public because announcements can create panic, and that's something we really don't want."
The City of Liège is nevertheless preparing an awareness campaign aimed at vulnerable populations and field workers.
The information can also be found in the newspaper La Meuse .
https://www.rtbf.be/article/diphter...-chez-les-sans-abri-la-ville-reagit-11723439
3 hours ago - updated 2 hours ago
In Liège, several cases of cutaneous diphtheria have been detected among homeless people in recent months. After seven cases were recorded in 2025, five new cases have already been reported since the beginning of this year. Faced with the resurgence of this contagious disease, the AVIQ (Walloon Agency for Quality of Life) is primarily urging vigilance rather than alarm, while the City is preparing an awareness campaign.
Info By Caroline Adam
based on a report by Marc Hildesheim
The Walloon Agency for Quality of Life (AVIQ) reminds the public that this cutaneous form of diphtheria primarily affects people living in precarious and overcrowded conditions. According to AVIQ, the strain observed in Liège does not produce a dangerous toxin, and we are still far from an epidemic.
"Cases of diphtheria among the homeless population are always present," explains Lara Kotlar, spokesperson for AVIQ. "We are seeing fluctuations. Certainly, this time we are seeing an increase, but it will probably decrease in the next period. So there is nothing new, there is no alarming situation, no alert peak has been reached, and therefore there is no need to panic at this stage."
There is no alarming situation
The spokesperson sought to reassure the public: "There is likely no risk to the general population since it's something that will spread among people in the same environment. It's really a question of close proximity. And so, when people are in precarious conditions, this close proximity is even greater. There's very little chance that it could spread to other people in the population. It's really important to reassure the public because announcements can create panic, and that's something we really don't want."
The City of Liège is nevertheless preparing an awareness campaign aimed at vulnerable populations and field workers.
The information can also be found in the newspaper La Meuse .
https://www.rtbf.be/article/diphter...-chez-les-sans-abri-la-ville-reagit-11723439