With confirmed case in Erie County, here is what to know about diphtheria
The Erie County Department of Health confirmed one travel-related case of diphtheria in October. While the illness is a serious bacterial infection, health officials state the risk to the community is extremely minimal, described as near zero. The investigation identified schools within the West Seneca Central School District as potential exposure sites. Officials expect the infected individual to make a full recovery. West Seneca school officials are alerting families out of an abundance of caution despite the low risk level.
Listen to Live Briefing
Real-time synthesized voice briefing · Live Feeds Desk
- ✓ The Erie County Department of Health confirmed one travel-related case of diphtheria in October.
- ✓ Potential exposure sites for the illness include schools within the West Seneca Central School District.
- ✓ The Erie County Department of Health determined the risk to the community is near zero.
- ✓ Diphtheria is a serious bacterial illness that is rare in the United States.
What changed
The Erie County Department of Health officially confirmed the case is travel-related and identified West Seneca schools as potential exposure sites.
Live updates
-
Erie County confirms travel-related diphtheria case
The Erie County Department of Health confirmed one travel-related case of diphtheria in October. While the illness is a serious bacterial infection, health officials state the risk to the community is extremely minimal, described as near zero. The investigation identified schools within the West Seneca Central School District as potential exposure sites. Officials expect the infected individual to make a full recovery. West Seneca school officials are alerting families out of an abundance of caution despite the low risk level.
Why it matters
Diphtheria is a rare bacterial illness in the United States. Because of its rarity, many people may be unfamiliar with the disease or its symptoms.
What is confirmed
- The Erie County Department of Health confirmed one travel-related case of diphtheria in October.
- Potential exposure sites for the illness include schools within the West Seneca Central School District.
- The Erie County Department of Health determined the risk to the community is near zero.
- Diphtheria is a serious bacterial illness that is rare in the United States.
What to watch next
- Confirmation of whether any other individuals tested positive for the bacteria
- Public health guidance on vaccination steps for exposed students
confidence 100%Sources used for this update (17)
- Buffalo News — With confirmed case in Erie County, here is what to know about diphtheria
- WIVB News 4 — Erie County Department of Health reports potential diphtheria exposure in West Seneca schools
- Outbreak News Today — Diphtheria case reported in Erie County, NY
- Buffalo Toronto Public Media — Erie County Health Department reports case of diphtheria in local school district
- Buffalo News — Erie County confirms rare case of diphtheria; West Seneca schools potential exposure site
- buffalonews.com — Poloncarz blames county legislators for taking no action to repair dilapidated jails
- buffalonews.com — My View: A bike ride across the Peace Bridge is symbolic of freedom and the lack of it
- buffalonews.com — Peterson society marks 30 years of funding futures - Buffalo News ,Breaking News
- www3.erie.gov — Statement from Erie County Department of Health on Diphtheria ...
- buffalonews.com — Searching for your next home? Now you can see nearby childcare options - Buffalo News ,Breaking News
- buffalonews.com — With case in Erie County, what to know about diphtheria
- www.btpm.org — Erie County Health Department reports case of diphtheria in ...
Community Sentiment: How do you assess this situation?
Voice your perspective · Real-time aggregated sentiment from the Live Feeds community