Yemen: Diphtheria cases continue to rise /update 3

Event

The number of reported diphtheria cases in Yemen continues to increase, with 1172 suspected cases and 72 associated deaths reported as of February 24. However, while the suspected case numbers have continued to rise throughout much of the country, the World Health Organization (WHO) reports that the fatality rate has dropped from 10 percent to 6.1 percent in recent weeks.

International aid organizations, including the WHO and UN Children's Fund (UNICEF) have attempted to import and distribute vaccines in a bid to prevent the further spread of the disease.

Context

Diphtheria is an infectious 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, with its 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. A vaccine exists for this potentially fatal disease.

Advice

Individuals planning travel to or in Yemen are strongly advised to receive diphtheria and cholera vaccinations. It is also advised to stock up on food and bottled water, and conserve water as much as possible.

The security environment throughout the country remains complex, and due to poor security conditions, most Western governments strongly advise their citizens against all travel to Yemen. Travel to the country should only be considered with proper security protocols in place, and professional security advice and support should be sought prior to travel. ​