Haiti: Deadly diphtheria outbreak continues /update 1

Event

An outbreak of diphtheria has been ongoing in Haiti since late 2014, resulting in over 400 cases and 75 deaths. Some ten deaths have been reported since the beginning of 2018 (as of March 19). Vaccination campaigns are planned for 40 high-risk communes in Ouest department - home to the capital Port-au-Prince - April 8-13, during which time 2 million children are expected to receive the vaccine.  

Context

Diphtheria is a highly 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 Haiti are advised to confirm vaccinations are up to date and to keep abreast of the situation.