Should we be concerned about diphtheria in the UK?

Diphtheria is a very rare condition in the developed world today with the advent of immunisation. Studies from the populations of England and Wales, however, suggest a recent increase in the number of notified cases. Sore throat due to a tonsillitis is the most common manifestation and can, thus, present to the clinician. It can also present as, or be complicated by, life-threatening upper airway obstruction. This case demonstrates the former and highlights the latter, in an attempt to raise awareness of a condition which may be seen more frequently in the future.