New studies reveal that contact with pets and diabetes mellitus are the leading risk factors for diphtheria infections in Germany. Research analyzed 268 cases from 2017 to 2022, highlighting that pets play a significant role in the spread of the pathogen Corynebacterium ulcerans, with the risk increasing by 20 times. In 65% of the studied cases, a direct link to animals was established.
Diabetes: A Second Major Risk Factor
Diabetes mellitus significantly heightens the risk of diphtheria infection, elevating the likelihood by 18.13 times. This alarming finding was published in July 2026 in the Deutsches Ärzteblatt. Additionally, the data indicated that C. ulcerans is more prevalent in autochthonous infections—those acquired domestically—compared to the classical C. diphtheriae.
Europe Faces the Worst Epidemic in Decades
Since 2022, Western Europe has been battling the most severe diphtheria epidemic in approximately 70 years. The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) recorded 362 cases in 2022 alone. Since the outbreak’s onset, there have been 536 cases, resulting in three fatalities. Notably, 98% of the affected individuals are male, with an average age of 18 years. Researchers identified a genetic link between the 2022 strain and recent cases in Germany.
Global Situation Remains Tense
In both North and South America, diphtheria cases are on the rise. Between January and May 2026, there were 163 confirmed cases and five deaths—a figure that has doubled from the previous year. Haiti is particularly affected, while Argentina’s vaccination rates have dropped below the critical threshold of 80%. In Mauritania, authorities documented 1,439 cases with 56 deaths between early 2025 and the end of March 2026.
Flu Vaccination Reduces Risk for Diabetics
A Danish registry study involving over 240,000 participants found that annual flu vaccination reduces overall mortality among diabetics by 17%. It also lowers the risk of heart attacks and strokes by 15%. Diabetes type 2 presents significant challenges to the immune system, indicating that medication alone isn’t always sufficient for stable health. A former patient illustrated how they improved their health through targeted daily exercises.
Lifestyle as a Crucial Factor
Experts suggest that nearly half of type 2 diabetes cases could be prevented through lifestyle modifications. A study from the UK Biobank involving over 330,000 individuals emphasized the influence of lifestyle compared to genetics, weighing it at 55 to 45. A high Body Mass Index (BMI) increases diabetes risk by a factor of 6.83. Furthermore, around 45% of type 2 diabetics exhibit micronutrient deficiencies, especially in Vitamin D (60.5%) and Magnesium (42%). Additionally, Metformin, a common diabetes medication, can hinder the absorption of Vitamin B12.
Vaccination Rates Among Children Improve
While adults with chronic illnesses often lack sufficient protection, positive trends are emerging among children. Data from Bavaria reveals that vaccination rates for measles, mumps, and rubella have reached approximately 97% in the 2023/2024 school year, compared to about 92% between 2018 and 2019. The diphtheria vaccination rate among school-entry children currently stands at 94.3%.
New Research Approaches to Break Infection Chains
Researchers at the University of Texas are developing oral vaccine pellets for wildlife, such as squirrels and mice. The goal is to reduce the burden of Lyme disease bacteria in reservoir hosts and break the transmission cycle to humans, akin to efforts made in rabies control.
Disclaimer: Our articles are not investment advice and do not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell. Information on prices, companies, and markets is subject to change without notice. Trading can lead to substantial losses. Our contributions are partially generated and reviewed with AI assistance.
