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Diphtheria in Yemen in addition to cholera

An outbreak of diphtheria in Yemen has been reported by the World Health Organization. Since the beginning of November, a total of 118 suspected cases and 11 deaths have been reported by 10 provinces. This outbreak adds to the health burden caused by over 800,000 reported cases of cholera.

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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