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.