Diphtheria Outbreak Ongoing in Guinea

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

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

Diphtheria is a severe 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 ill with diphtheria, according to the CDC.

Diphtheria is a vaccine-preventable disease.

Unfortunately, an estimated 16% of children worldwide had no or incomplete vaccination coverage.

The U.S. CDC says most travelers visiting outbreak areas should receive an age-appropriate dose of diphtheria toxoid-containing vaccine if they are not fully vaccinated or 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 vaccines are offered at many clinics and pharmacies in the U.S.