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The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has reported 145 confirmed cases of diphtheria in the first 5 weeks of 2023. All of the confirmed cases are in Kano State. A further 119 suspected cases of diphtheria have been recorded from Kano, Katsina, Lagos and Yobe States.
Diphtheria is an acute bacterial infection affecting the respiratory tract or skin. The Corynebacterium species bacteria produce a toxin which can cause local tissue necrosis and if systemically absorbed can affect the myocardium, peripheral nerves and other tissues. It is transmitted through respiratory droplets from infected individuals or asymptomatic carriers, or direct contact with contaminated material (such as bed linen or clothing). It persists in many regions of the world and travel may increase an individual’s risk of exposure.
Immunity from diphtheria vaccine can wane with increasing age and the travel consultation provides a valuable opportunity to ensure individuals are optimally vaccinated against diphtheria.
Consider vaccinating:
Those individuals with an incomplete primary vaccination history for diphtheria
Travellers who have not had a booster dose of diphtherian containing vaccine in the last 10 years
Aid workers travelling to regions with confirmed diphtheria outbreaks who are likely to be exposed to infection, and have not had a reinforcing dose of a diphtheria containing vaccine in the last 12 months
All travellers should be aware of the risk of diphtheria, its transmission routes and symptoms and are advised to:
Further guidance for the management of contacts of diphtheria cases is available from UKHSA
See the TRAVAX Diphtheria page for more information.
