20 Nov 2023 | 08:49 AM UTC
Mauritania: Elevated diphtheria activity reported in Bassiknou district, Hodh Ech Chargui, through November
Elevated diphtheria activity reported in Bassiknou district, Hodh Ech Chargui, Mauritania, through November. Confirm vaccination.
Mauritanian health authorities have reported elevated diphtheria activity in the Bassiknou district, Hodh Ech Chargui region, with 20 suspected cases reported Oct. 19-Nov. 11. The last diphtheria outbreak in Mauritania occurred in 1990, when 18 cases were reported. The first case had an onset of symptoms Oct. 8. Health authorities have activated an emergency operations center and deployed a rapid response team to conduct active case search, case management, and community sensitization. This represents the most complete data available as of Nov. 17.
Visit a doctor to ensure vaccination against diphtheria or immunity through previous infection. Practice basic health precautions. Call your medical provider if symptoms develop within two weeks of being in affected areas.
Diphtheria vaccination coverage in Mauritania is estimated at 76 percent in 2022, which is well below the 83–86 percent required to prevent wider community transmission. Health officials have reported that of the 20 cases, only six percent were fully vaccinated against diphtheria.
Diphtheria is a contagious bacterial disease spread through respiratory droplets created when an infected individual coughs, sneezes, or speaks. Infected individuals can also expose people around them by contaminating surfaces with secretions from the nose, mouth, and throat. In rare cases, the bacteria can spread through contact with infected skin lesions. Symptoms typically appear 2-5 days after exposure but can develop up to 10 days after exposure. Symptoms of diphtheria vary depending on where the bacteria accumulates in the body. If the bacteria accumulate in the nose, throat, or tonsils, symptoms generally include sore throat, fever, chills, and a characteristic white or grayish coating on the back of the nose or throat. If the bacteria accumulate on the skin, symptoms generally include a characteristic non-healing, gray ulcer on the skin, or a scaling rash.
