Fetal Case of Diphtheria Reported to CDC Emergency Operations

Abstract Unreported cases of diphtheria are still present in developing countries. A 9-year-old incompletely vaccinated girl was admitted with pharyngotonsillitis caused by diphtheria. On day 9 of her illness, renal and cardiac failure occurred. Unfortunately, she died within hours of admission to intensive care with cardiogenic shock despite the vigorous supportive care delivered to her and the administration of antibiotics and diphtheria antitoxin. The suboptimal dose of antitoxin administered initially upon admission to hospital was likely to have contributed to the unfavorable outcome.