9 May 2008
The Health Protection Agency has been responding to the death of a child who was originally treated at St Helier Hospital before being transferred to St Thomas' Hospital, Westminster for more specialist care. The most likely explanation for the child's death is an infection with diphtheria.
Diphtheria is extremely rare in the UK due to the success of vaccinations children receive as part of the childhood immunisation programme. The few isolated cases that are seen are usually in unvaccinated people who have travelled to countries where the disease is still common. These cases do not usually spread the infection to others in the UK because the population is well protected through immunisation.
We recommend that if people are not up to date with their routine immunisations they should contact their GP to arrange them. A full list of local GP services covering Merton, Sutton and Surrey can be found on the following websites:
www.surreypct.nhs.uk
www.suttonandmerton.nhs.uk
Diphtheria affects the upper respiratory tract, nose, throat, voice box and upper windpipe and occasionally, the skin. It is spread by being in very close contact over a period of time with someone who has the illness or is a carrier of the germ. Symptoms of diphtheria include a sore throat, fever and swollen lymph glands in the neck. The Trust and its partner organisations have taken all of the necessary steps to contact staff and patients who may have had contact with the patient and to other necessary tests. To date, all tests have been negative.
If you would like more information about diphtheria, and to see some of the most commonly asked questions about the infection, please visit www.hpa.org.uk. Anyone who has concerns should contact their GP or NHS Direct on 0845 4647 or visit the website www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk
