Vaccination to Control Diphtheria in Haiti - Update

The Ministry of Public Health and Population has reported a total of 62 probable and confirmed cases of diphtheria so far this year. Of these, 7 people have died. Children under 15 are the most affected, and nearly half of the confirmed and probable cases were not vaccinated. With support from the Pan American Health Organization/World Health Organization (PAHO/WHO), UNICEF and other partners, the Ministry has launched a diphtheria vaccination campaign to control the spread of this disease.

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.