WHO: Diphtheria outbreak in Yemen

The World Health Organization Disease outbreak news

As if a cholera outbreak wasn’t enough, on October 29 of 2017, the WHO team in Yemen received reports of possible Diphtheria cases. In less than 5 months, a total of 333 suspected cases including 35 deaths have been reported. 79% of the reported cases have affected individuals under the age of 20 while 19% were under the age of 5. Management of the outbreak included laboratory support, supply of medications and supplies, as well as widespread vaccination. The Ministry of Public Health and Population (MoPHP), WHO and UNICEF are all working to control the outbreak. The WHO is focusing on identifying new cases and collection of laboratory samples. The MoPHP is taking the lead in clinical case management while UNICEF is assisting in establishing treatments. To read more about the outbreak, click here.