The disease
Diphtheria, a bacterial infection that has been eradicated in mainland France
Diphtheria, caused by the bacterium Corynebacterium diphtheriae, is a highly contagious disease transmitted from person to person. Its most serious consequences stem from the toxin it can produce. The bacterium...
What We Do
Thanks to very high vaccination coverage, diphtheria caused by Corynebacterium diphtheriae has been eradicated in mainland France. However, cases are still reported in Mayotte. In addition, a few cases of C. ulcerans are reported each year in France. This disease poses a public health...
Data
The diphtheria surveillance system established by Santé publique France makes it possible to study the epidemiological trends of this vaccine-preventable disease as well as vaccination coverage.
Epidemiological data on diphtheria in France
In 2025 in France, 39 cases of tox+ diphtheria occurred...
Tools
Here you will find the resources (videos, TV spots, radio spots) and prevention materials made available to healthcare professionals and the general public
Publications
Here you will find the latest scientific publications related to the studies and research conducted by Santé publique France.
2 publications
article
Imported Diseases: Preventing the Spread of Infectious Diseases Upon Return from Travel - Pharmacovigilance System for Reporting Adverse Events
article
Pilgrims bound for Mecca seen at the International Vaccination Center in Strasbourg (France): vaccination coverage for diphtheria, tetanus, polio, and influenza
In relation to
Vaccination
thematic dossier
Contagious diseases most often affect children at a very young age. Because children are particularly vulnerable, they are a priority target for vaccination programs.
