Dominican Rep.: Fears of possible diphtheria outbreaks

Event

Health officials in the Dominican Republic are on alert due to a diphtheria outbreak ongoing in neighboring Haiti, which has resulted in several deaths. Preventive measures have been implemented, notably in the border region, including a vaccination campaign. 

Diphtheria has become relatively rare in the Dominican Republic, with only one case reported in 2017, three in 2016, and one in 2015.

Context

Diphtheria is a contagious disease caused by the bacterium Corynebacterium diphtheria, which primarily infects the throat and upper airways and produces a toxin affecting other organs. The illness has an acute onset and the main characteristics are sore throat, low-grade fever, and swollen glands in the neck; the toxin may, in severe cases, cause myocarditis or peripheral neuropathy. The disease is spread through direct physical human contact or from breathing in the aerosolized secretions from coughs or sneezes of infected individuals.

Advice

Individuals considering travel to the Dominican Republic are advised to confirm vaccinations are up to date and to keep abreast of the situation.