Diphtheria: Global update
Updated: January 22, 2019
Note:
- Information regarding affected countries has been updated.
Original publication date: February 9, 2018
Current situation
Diphtheria occurs worldwide and is still endemic in many countries. Travellers who are not fully vaccinated may be at risk for catching diphtheria when visiting a country where the disease is still prevalent.
Currently, the following countries are reporting outbreaks of diphtheria:
- Bangladesh
- Haiti
- Venezuela
- Yemen
About diphtheria
Diphtheria is a very contagious bacterial disease. It can spread quickly from person to person by direct, close physical contact, contact with respiratory droplets, and less commonly, through contact with contaminated objects. Diphtheria can be very serious and even deadly, especially for infants and very young children.
The symptoms of diphtheria include:
- sore throat
- fever and chills
- difficulty breathing
Diphtheria can be prevented with a vaccine.
Diphtheria can be treated with antibiotics as well as with a diphtheria antitoxin.
Recommendations
Consult a health care professional or visit a travel health clinic six weeks before you travel.
Get vaccinated for diphtheria
Diphtheria can be prevented with a vaccine. In Canada, the diphtheria vaccine is part of the Routine Childhood Immunization Schedule. The diphtheria vaccine is usually given as part of a combined vaccine with other diseases. Travellers should make sure their diphtheria vaccination is up-to-date, regardless of their travel destination:
- Infants & Children:
- It is recommended that children get four doses of the combined vaccine. These doses are usually given at two months, four months, six months and 18 months of age.
- Your child should get a booster vaccine between the ages of four and six years.
- Adolescents:
- Adolescents between 14 to 16 years of age should receive a booster dose of the combined diphtheria and tetanus and pertussis vaccine.
- Adults (18 years of age and older):
- The diphtheria vaccine should be given every ten years for lasting protection.
- Travellers should receive one dose of the diphtheria vaccine if they do not have one of the following:
- documented evidence of receiving a vaccine in the past ten years;
- laboratory evidence of immunity (e.g. through blood testing); or
- a history of laboratory confirmed diphtheria disease.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
- Use alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available. Carry a bottle of sanitizer with you when you travel.
Practise proper cough and sneeze etiquette:
- Cover your mouth and nose with your arm to reduce the spread of germs.
- Dispose of tissues as soon as possible after use, and wash your hands.
Monitor your health
- See your health care professional if you develop symptoms of diphtheria when travelling or after you return to Canada:
- Alert the health care professional about your symptoms before your appointment, so they can take proper precautions
- Tell the health care professional which countries you have visited
- Avoid close contact with other people to reduce the chance of infecting others if you:
- have symptoms of diphtheria
- have been exposed to someone who has diphtheria
- If you notice symptoms of diphtheria during the flight, tell the flight attendant before you land or the border services officer as you enter the country. They will notify a quarantine officer who can assess your symptoms.
Registration of Canadians Abroad
Sign up with the Registration of Canadians Abroad (ROCA) service to stay connected with the Government of Canada in case of an emergency abroad or an emergency at home.Related links
Other Resources
- Canadian Immunization Guide, Public Health Agency of Canada, Diphtheria
- World Health Organisation – Diphtheria
Report a problem or mistake on this pageShare this pageDate modified: 2017-04-05