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As of December 17 2023, a cumulative total of 24 940 suspected cases of diphtheria resulting in 787
fatalities have been reported across Nigeria, Guinea, Niger, Mauritania, and South Africa. Nigeria is the
most severely affected accounting for 83.1% of cases and 72.4% of deaths.
Recent epidemiological trends reveal a notable surge in weekly cases in Guinea, contrasting with a
decline observed in the remaining affected countries. The escalating and spreading case numbers in
Guinea are a cause for concern, highlighting the need for a comprehensive and multifaceted approach
to effectively address this growing public health challenge. Additionally, Mauritania has not reported
any new cases in the past five weeks, and the diphtheria outbreak in Pollsmoor Prison, Western Cape
Province, South Africa, has been successfully contained.
Over 56% of documented cases are unvaccinated, more than 57% of suspected cases are under the
age of 15, and females constitute over 61% of the cases.
WHO is actively supporting the affected countries in strengthening response coordination, bolstering
testing and case identification, and facilitating the mobilization of appropriate antibiotics and diphtheria
antitoxin (DAT) for case treatment. Efforts are also underway to enhance vaccine coverage.
Member States are strongly urged to enhance surveillance efforts for vaccine-preventable diseases
and actively promote both access to and the uptake of vaccines.
Source link : https://reliefweb.int/report/nigeria/who-african-region-health-emergency-situation-report-multi-country-outbreak-diphtheria-consolidated-regional-situation-report-005-december-17-2023
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Publish date : 2024-01-01 08:00:00
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