A further four diphtheria cases have been detected in the week since news that a 5yo girl from La Victoria in Lima had succumbed to the infection. Three are close contacts of the girl and the fourth, a fatal case in a 69yo woman with comorbidities from nearby San Martín de Porres. A vaccination drive was planned for approximately 80,000 people living in the immediate area last week. 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.