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Diphtheria in Sudan

24 Nov 2016

On 13 November, the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UNOCHA) reported 21 suspected diphtheria cases in the Umm Keddada area in the east of the state over the past week. This brings the total number of suspected diphtheria cases in Umm Keddada since August 2016 to 137 including 13 deaths.

Advice to Travellers

A combination vaccine called Revaxis is available to protect adults against diphtheria, tetanus and polio. Children normally receive these vaccinations as part of the national schedule. Travellers should ensure that they have had a primary course of vaccine and receive a booster every 10 years if they are travelling to an area where diphtheria, tetanus or polio are considered high risk.