Diphtheria – 2023

DOMINICAN REPUBLIC :

Several cases of diphtheria have been reported in the provinces of Barahona and Independencia (Enriquillo region). A 4-year-old boy has died and 3 of his siblings are showing symptoms. There might be an epidemic of diphtheria in these southern provinces.

At least 3 patients with diphtheria (including the 4-year-old boy who died of respiratory arrest) were referred to the emergency room of the Regional University Hospital Jaime Mota (HRUJM) in the municipality of Duvergé, province of Independencia, and a of La Ciénaga, Barahona province.

(Hospital source)

NIGERIA :

The Nigeria Center for Disease Contol has declared at least 123 diphtheria cases and 38 deaths.

The states currently facing the disease caused by severe nose and throat infection are: Kano, Lagos, Yobe et Osun.

The national disease control and prevention agency said more cases of the disease were expected in the coming days as it spreads to other places (during a ministerial press briefing)

Source : ProMed

DIPHTHERIA:

Diphtheria is caused by a bacterium which includes several species (Corynebacterium diphtheriae, C. ulcerans, C. pseudotuberculosis), sometimes carrying a gene at the origin of the severity of the disease. The main manifestation of the disease is angina which can be complicated by cardiac or neurological damage and lead to death.

Diphtheria can be prevented with a vaccine. This vaccine is part of the French vaccination schedule and mandatory vaccines. Reminders are to be made even following childhood.

For more information on the vaccine: https://vaccination-info-service.fr/Les-maladies-et-leurs-vaccins/Diphterie