As of February 25, 2024, 34,704 suspected cases of diphtheria were reported across Nigeria, Guinea, Niger, Mauritania, South Africa, Cameroon, and Gabon. Nigeria was the most severely affected, accounting for 78% of cases and 70% of deaths.
Mauritania has not reported cases since epi week 44/2023, and the outbreak in Pollsmoor Prison, Western Cape Province, South Africa, has been successfully contained. Therefore, the diphtheria outbreak is no longer active in Mauritania and South Africa. Gabon reported one laboratoryconfirmed case in the Bitam district, on the border with Cameroon.
Recent epidemiological trends show a surge in weekly cases in Guinea and geographical expansion, contrasting with a decline observed in the remaining affected countries.
Guinea is the priority country for the next week, while close monitoring is required in Cameroon and Gabon. A cross-border coordination and surveillance meeting was held last week between Guinea and Mali.
Finalization of the translation of comprehensive guidance on diphtheria outbreak preparedness and response in the WHO African region into English, French, and Portuguese.
Source link : https://reliefweb.int/report/nigeria/who-african-region-health-emergency-situation-report-multi-country-outbreak-diphtheria-consolidated-regional-situation-report-006-february-25-2024
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Publish date : 2024-03-13 03:00:00
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