Diphtheria Outbreak in Tamil Nadu, India

Two children have died from diphtheria in the district of Erode. At least 50 people have been admitted to the Coimbatore Medical College and Hospital with diphtheria. In spite of several campaigns to raise awareness about the importance of vaccination, there are gaps in immunization coverage that have contributed to this outbreak.

Advice

About 1 out of 10 adults and as many as 1 out of 5 children younger than 5 years, who get diphtheria, die. Travellers are reminded that outbreaks of the highly contagious diphtheria bacteria can occur anywhere in the world at any time. Travellers should also be aware that the international commercial production of diphtheria antitoxin used to treat this disease is extremely limited. The success of vaccination campaigns has greatly reduced demand for this biological product. Travellers can reduce their risk of exposure to this infection by ensuring that their childhood vaccinations, including diphtheria, are up-to-date prior to travelling. By avoiding becoming infected, travellers do not run the risk of finding that there are no treatments available.