A total of 865 diphtheria cases and 37 deaths have been reported in Zinder and Tillaberi regions, and in the capital, Niamey. Meanwhile, according to the latest report from UNICEF, Nigeria is now dealing with ‘the most severe diphtheria outbreak in recent global history’. There have been more than 11,500 suspected cases and 7,000 confirmed cases, with 453 deaths, mostly in unvaccinated children aged between four and 15 years. Read more
Advice for travellers
Spread by coughing and sneezing or by direct contact with wounds or items soiled by infected persons, diphtheria is one of the infectious diseases prevented through routine childhood vaccination. It is also a component in the vaccine given to pregnant women for the prevention of pertussis. Read more on diphtheria.
Before you travel, call Travelvax Australia’s telephone advisory service on 1300 360 164 (toll-free from landlines) for country-specific advice and information. You can also make an appointment at your nearest Travelvax clinic to obtain vaccinations, medication to prevent or treat illness, and accessories for your journey.