Venezuela: Diphtheria outbreak continues /update 4

Event

A diphtheria outbreak has been ongoing in Venezuela since July 2016. According to the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), 44 related deaths occurred in the country in the first half of 2018. Since the beginning of the outbreak through June 2018, more than 1900 cases were detected in total, including some 540 since the beginning of the year. A total of 164 deaths linked with the outbreak have been confirmed and another 26 are under investigation.

Cases have been reported in at least 22 states as well as in the capital district. 

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