A case of fulminant respiratory diphtheria in a 24-year-old Afghan refugee in Austria in May 2022: a case report.

PURPOSE: Raising awareness of respiratory diphtheria and for the importance of early antitoxin administration. METHODS: Report of a case of fulminant, imported respiratory diphtheria in an otherwise healthy 24-year-old Afghan refugee in Austria in May 2022. RESULT: This was the first case of respiratory diphtheria in Austria since 1993. Diphtheria antitoxin was administered at an already progressed disease stage. This delay contributed to a fulminant disease course with multiorgan failure and death. CONCLUSION: In high-income countries with low case numbers, awareness of respiratory diphtheria and for the importance of early antitoxin administration must be raised.