DIPHTHERIA – GUINEA (02): UPDATE
A ProMED-mail post
http://www.promedmail.org
ProMED-mail is a program of the
International Society for Infectious Diseases
http://www.isid.org
Date: Mon 19 Feb 2024
Source: Outbreak News Today [edited]
https://outbreaknewstoday.substack.com/p/diphtheria-cases-surge-in-guinea
The diphtheria outbreak that began in the West African country of
Guinea last July 2023, has continued into 2024 with a vengeance.
During the first 5 weeks of 2024 (1 Jan to 4 Feb), Guinea officials
reported 1184 suspected cases and 5 deaths, averaging 237 suspected
cases per week during this period. Although surveillance has improved,
the persistent gradual rise in cases suggests the presence of
underlying factors exacerbating the situation, the World Health
Organization notes.
Since the outbreak began last July [2023], Guinea has reported 3445
suspected cases of diphtheria, including 3207 confirmed cases and 83
deaths, resulting in a case fatality rate (CFR) of 2.4% among
suspected cases. In 2023, a total of 27 346 cases (13 879 confirmed,
13 467 suspected) were reported from 6 African Union Member States:
Algeria, Guinea, Mauritania, Niger, Nigeria, and South Africa.
Diphtheria is a serious infection caused by strains of
Corynebacterium diphtheriae bacteria 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 sick with diphtheria.
When the bacteria get into the respiratory system they can cause sore
throat, mild fever, and swollen glands in the neck. The bacteria make
a toxin that kills healthy tissues in the respiratory system and can
make it difficult to breathe and swallow. The toxin can also cause
heart, nerve, and kidney problems if it enters the bloodstream. Skin
infections caused by C. diphtheriae typically consist of shallow
ulcers (sores) and do not result in severe disease.
For some people, respiratory diphtheria can lead to death. Even with
treatment, about 1 in 10 patients with respiratory diphtheria die.
Without treatment, up to half of patients can die from the disease. If
you are unvaccinated or not fully vaccinated against diphtheria and
may have been exposed, it is important to start treatment as soon as
possible. It is recommended that everyone 2 months and older get
vaccinated to protect against diphtheria.