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Diphtheria is a bacterial disease caused by a bacterium called Corynebacterium diphtheriae. The infection commonly affects the throat and may lead to obstruction of the airways and, in severe cases death.¹⁷

Transmission¹⁷
The bacteria is transmitted from person-to-person, through close physical contact. Transmission is increased in overcrowded and poor socioeconomic conditions.

Geographical distribution¹⁸
Worldwide, but endemic countries include:

• Africa: Algeria, Egypt, and the countries in sub-Saharan region
• Americas: Brazil, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, and Haiti
• Asia/Oceania: Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Cambodia, China, India, Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Laos, Mongolia, Burma (Myanmar), Nepal, Pakistan, Philippines, Syria, Thailand, Turkey, Vietnam, and Yemen
• Europe: Albania and all countries of the former Soviet Union

Risk for travellers¹⁷
In incompletely immunised individuals, potentially life-threatening illness and severe, lifelong complications are possible.

Precautions and prevention^7,17

• Vaccination. All travellers should be up-to-date with their diphtheria vaccination, which is recommended in Australia as part of the standard vaccination schedule. (See your doctor)

(Please read the Disclaimer before using the ABC Guide to Travel Health).

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