Erie County Confirms Diphtheria Case, Four-School Watch

Erie County health officials confirmed a travel-related case of diphtheria and identified four West Seneca Central School District schools as potential exposure sites: Clinton Primary, Northwood Elementary, Winchester-Potters Elementary and East Middle School. Officials say the patient is expected to recover and the risk of community spread is extremely low, near zero, because diphtheria is rare in the United States amid widespread vaccination. Families were asked to watch for symptoms through Oct. 18, 2026, and ensure students and household members are up to date on recommended diphtheria vaccines. The health department is reviewing student immunization records with school nurses and may contact families of students who are unvaccinated or under-vaccinated.