France - A case of diphtheria has been identified in the Dunkirk area

[Pathfinder]

A case of diphtheria has been identified in the Dunkirk area.​

Press release
September 15, 2026

A case of diphtheria has been identified in a person treated at the Dunkirk Hospital Center. The Hauts-de-France Regional Health Agency is fully mobilized to ensure rapid and safe care and the implementation of necessary preventive measures.

On Friday, September 11, a case of diphtheria was detected in a patient who had been hospitalized at the Dunkirk hospital. The patient was immediately transferred to a specialized care pathway and is currently still hospitalized at the Lille University Hospital, receiving appropriate treatment. The Regional Health Agency (ARS) has implemented the necessary measures to prevent any further transmission of the disease among those who cared for this patient.

Tests have shown that the identified bacterium, Corynebacterium diphtheriae, carries the gene responsible for producing diphtheria toxin. This toxin can cause serious complications, including cardiac and neurological problems. This identification allows for precise tailoring of the patient's treatment and preventive measures for those who have been in contact with them.

As such, hospital staff and firefighters who had high-risk contact with the patient have been identified and are receiving preventative antibiotic treatment. Their monitoring is ensured by their occupational health services, which in particular check their vaccination status and organize, if necessary, its update.

The Regional Health Agency (ARS) is continuing its investigations to identify and provide care for all individuals who may have had close contact with the patient. The patient may have stayed in camps for people recently arrived in France, located along the coast. The ARS is therefore working with associations to identify the necessary preventative measures.

Any developments in the situation will be communicated separately.

What is diphtheria?​

Diphtheria is a bacterial disease that has become rare in France thanks to mandatory vaccination for infants, with several booster doses throughout life. The disease is mainly transmitted through close contact with an infected person, particularly by inhaling respiratory droplets. It can also be spread through contact with broken skin and, more rarely, through contact with contaminated objects. The incubation period varies from 2 to 5 days, and the disease most often manifests as a sore throat, fever, and swelling of the neck. Some strains of the bacteria can produce a toxin that can lead to serious complications in unvaccinated or incompletely vaccinated individuals.

Vaccination is the most effective way to protect against diphtheria toxin-mediated forms of the disease. Vaccinated individuals who are up-to-date with their vaccinations are protected against the effects of the disease.

Diphtheria is treated with antibiotics and, when necessary, with the administration of diphtheria antitoxin.
...

Identification d’un cas de diphtérie dans le Dunkerquois

Un cas de diphtérie a été identifié sur une personne prise en charge au Centre hospitalier de Dunkerque. L’Agence régionale de santé des Hauts-de-France est pleinement mobilisée pour assurer une prise en charge rapide et sécurisée et la mise en œuvre des mesures de prévention nécessaires.

www.hauts-de-france.ars.sante.fr