Brazil: Officials investigate possible diphtheria cases

Event

As of early April, at least six suspected cases of diphtheria have been reported in Brazil in 2018. The suspected cases are currently under investigation by health authorities. In 2017, five confirmed cases and one fatality were found in four states: Acre, Minas Gerais, Roraima, and São Paulo.

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 Brazil are advised to confirm vaccinations are up to date and to keep abreast of the situation.