Diphtheria in Venezuela
04 Oct 2016
A media report
of 29 September 2016 advises that governor of Bolivar state, Venezuela is reported to have confirmed 13 cases of diphtheria in the town of San Antonio, Sifontes municipality.
Bolivar state is also the region in Venezuela most affected by the current malaria outbreak.
The former Minister of Health Dr. José Felix Oletta is reported to attribute these outbreaks to the broken health care system in the country.
Advice for Travellers
It should be confirmed that children have received their recommended doses of diphtheria vaccine according to the UK childhood schedule. It is recommended that travellers to Venezuela have a diphtheria booster (or course) if not already protected.