Diptheria cases continue to rise with a total of 24,940 suspected cases and 787 deaths in 2023. Cases were reported from South Africa, Nigeria, Guinea, Niger and Mauritania, with Nigeria accounting for approx. 83% of the cases. Children under 5 have been the most affected. Read more
Advice for travellers
Diphtheria is caught by coming into contact with droplets from the respiratory tract of an infected person—particularly spread by coughing or sneezing. If the disease is cutaneous, it can be spread by coming into contact with the wounds or lesions of an infected person. Read more
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.