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Diphtheria in Venezuela - update

In the state of Mérida, there have been 37 reported cases of diphtheria. There have been 6 deaths. Diphtheria infections are not confined to just one state. Infected persons have been reported from 17 states, including Bolívar, Delta Amacuro, Monagas, Sucre, Anzoátegui, Amazonas, Aragua, Miranda, Mérida and Carabobo. Since September of last year through the end of October this year, there have been 835 suspected infections nationwide, of whom 166 have had positive laboratory tests. Most of the cases are between the ages of 5 and 19 years of age.

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 commercial production of diphtheria antitoxin used to treat this disease has virtually ceased. 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.

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