Venezuela: Diphtheria outbreak continues /update 3

Event

A diphtheria outbreak has been ongoing in Venezuela since July 2016. From the beginning of the outbreak through the week ending April 22, 2018, a total of 1716 cases were detected, including 352 since the beginning of the year. A total of 160 deaths linked with the outbreak have been reported, including 40 in 2018. Cases have been reported in at least nine states so far this year.

Health officials continue to intensify epidemiological surveillance and a vaccination campaign in an effort to combat the outbreak.

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.