Outbreak of Diphtheria in Guinea’s Kankan Region: Latest Updates and Prevention Measures

2023-09-04 20:15:00

In Guineasuspected cases of diphtheria have been reported in the region of Kankan since July 4, 2023. Laboratory confirmation was obtained on July 20.

Between July 4 and August 27, 117 suspected cases were reported, including seven confirmed cases. A total of 37 deaths have been reported, including all confirmed cases. Currently, 189 active contacts are being followed up. In week 34 (ending August 27), 18 suspected cases, including seven deaths, were reported in two districts: Siguiri (17 cases) and Mandina (1 case).

Since July 4, the district of Siguiri is the most affected with 100 cases (85.5%). The other districts that reported cases are Nothing (8 cas), Mandiana (7 cases) and Kouroussa (2 cases). Only the district of Kerouane in the Kankan region has not reported any cases.

Of the reported cases, 69 (59%) are women. The age group 1-4 years is the most affected with 60 cases (51.3%), followed by the age groups 5-9 years and over 10 years with 26 cases each (22.2%) and the age group under one year with 5 cases (4.3%). Of the 64 patients admitted to the treatment centers, 28 (43.8%) died.

According to WHO and UNICEF national immunization coverage estimates, routine immunization coverage for the third dose of pentavalent vaccine (which includes diphtheria vaccine) was 47% in Guinea in 2022, and still lower in the Kankan region according to a recent survey.

Source: World Health Organization

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