Diphtheria Surge in Somalia

Over the past 13 months, a significant increase in the number of people infected with diphtheria has been reported in Mogadishu and its surrounding areas. Diphtheria cases increased from 49 reported cases in 2024 to 497 in 2025, with deaths tripling from 13 to 42.

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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.