Diphtheria Outbreak Ongoing in Guinea Precision Vaccinations News – Precision Vaccinations

(Precision Vaccinations News)

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) continues to publish Trave Health Notices regardingdiphtheria outbreaks in various countries in 2023.

On December 7, 2023, the CDC posted aLevel 2 - Practice Enhanced Precautions notice regardingan outbreak of diphtheria in several districts in Guinea, which is located in western Africa.

Diphtheriais a severe infection caused by strains ofCorynebacterium diphtheriaebacteria that make a toxin. The toxin can cause people to get very sick. Diphtheria bacteria spread from person to person through respiratory droplets, like from coughing or sneezing.

People can also get sick from touching open sores or ulcers of people ill with diphtheria, according to the CDC.

Diphtheria is a vaccine-preventable disease.

Unfortunately, an estimated 16% of children worldwide hadno or incomplete vaccination coverage.

The U.S. CDC saysmost travelers visiting outbreak areas should receive an age-appropriate dose of diphtheria toxoid-containing vaccineif they are not fully vaccinatedor have not received a booster dose within five years before departure.

There are 11 vaccines available for use to help protect against diphtheria in 2023. Diphtheria and other travel vaccinesare offered at manyclinics and pharmacies in the U.S.

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Diphtheria Outbreak Ongoing in Guinea Precision Vaccinations News - Precision Vaccinations